pummel

verb

pum·​mel ˈpə-məl 

pummeled also pummelled; pummeling also pummelling ˈpə-mə-liŋ 

ˈpəm-liŋ

: pound, beat

Synonyms of pummel

• lick
• hide
• pound
• beat
• lash
• whip
• pelt
• slap
• hit
• knock
• attack
• punch
• smash
• assault
• thump
• spank
• do
• slam
• batter
• bludgeon
• maul

Examples of pummel in a Sentence

pummeled the mugger with her fists until help arrived

Recent Examples on the Web

New England’s notoriously harsh weather once again revealed itself with a vengeance this past weekend, bringing extremely frigid temperatures to Connecticut and pummeling the state with nearly two feet of snow. —Steve Sullivan, Hartford Courant, 31 Jan. 2026

The tragic incidents are part of a wave of devastation after the mammoth winter storm pummeled large swaths of the country, bringing life-threatening temperatures, ice and sometimes-historic levels of snow. —Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026

De’Aaron Fox added 18 points for the Spurs, who pummeled Houston 27-13 in the fourth quarter. —Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 29 Jan. 2026

The winter storm that pummeled the country over the weekend left an abundance of snow and ice that has contributed to several deaths across Indiana even after the precipitation ceased. —Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 28 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

alteration of pommel

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pummel

• hummel

Kids Definition

pummel

verb

pum·​mel ˈpəm-əl 

pummeled or pummelled; pummeling or pummelling -(ə-)liŋ 

1

: pound entry 3 sense 2a, beat

knead and pummel the dough

2

: to defeat decisively

pummeled the competition