pom-pom

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈpäm-ˌpäm 

1

: an ornamental ball or tuft used especially on clothing, caps, or costumes

2

: a handheld usually brightly colored fluffy ball flourished by cheerleaders

pom-pom

2 of 2

noun (2)

: an automatic antiaircraft gun of 20 to 40 millimeters mounted especially on ships

Examples of pom-pom in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Swing by on a weekend when school is in session for peak fall vibes—pom-poms optional. — Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 15 Aug. 2026

On Monday, in the early morning, cheerleaders flanked the entrance to the courtyard, cheering and shaking their pom-poms as their classmates filed in, showing varying degrees of enthusiasm. — Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Aug. 2026

Showing off a plunging black First Thing bra and a pair of black Skims briefs underneath the sheer pieces, the Last Showgirl actress added some playful texture with protruding pom-poms at her crewneck neckline and at her midriff. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 1 Aug. 2026

Back in 1992, the pop star spent her days smiling and shaking her pom-poms at football games as a cheerleader at Glen. — Grace Gavilanes, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

alteration of pompon

Noun (2)

imitative; from the sound of its discharge

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1940, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pom-pom

• aplomb
• balaam
• begam
• cocom
• embalm
• islam
• pogrom
• salaam
• sitcom
• balm
• bom
• bomb

Kids Definition

pom-pom

noun

ˈpäm-ˌpäm

1

: a fluffy ball used as trimming on clothing

2

: a handheld usually brightly colored fluffy ball waved by cheerleaders