punch-up

1 of 2

noun

Synonyms of punch-upnext
chiefly British

punch up

2 of 2

verb

punched up; punching up; punches up

transitive verb

: to give energy or forcefulness to
jokes added to punch up a speech

Examples of punch-up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Among them are Neeson as a Great Gatsby-esque type who puts Declan in the hospital after a punch-up and Cleese as a priest who also doubles as the Grim Reaper. Alex Ritman, Variety, 11 May 2026 Two of the pilots are multi-camera shows, which are shot in front of a live audience and can benefit from the plethora of comedy writers who live in the area and serve as punch-up writers. Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2026
Verb
The Bruins could use that cap space to improve the defense and add punch up front. Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 14 May 2026 Patterned wallpapers and rattan chandeliers punch up the spaces and give it some quirk. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for punch-up

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1958, in the meaning defined above

Verb

circa 1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of punch-up was in 1958

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Punch-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punch-up. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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