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pounce

noun (1)
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\ ˈpau̇n(t)s How to pronounce pounce (audio) \

Definition of pounce

 (Entry 1 of 5)

: the claw of a bird of prey

pounce

verb (1)
pounced; pouncing

Definition of pounce (Entry 2 of 5)

intransitive verb

1a : to swoop upon and seize something with or as if with talons
b : to seize upon and make capital of something (such as another's blunder or an opportunity)
2 : to make a sudden assault or approach

pounce

noun (2)

Definition of pounce (Entry 3 of 5)

: the act of pouncing

pounce

verb (2)
pounced; pouncing

Definition of pounce (Entry 4 of 5)

transitive verb

: to dust, rub, finish, or stencil with pounce

pounce

noun (3)

Definition of pounce (Entry 5 of 5)

1 : a fine powder formerly used to prevent ink from spreading
2 : a fine powder for making stenciled patterns

First Known Use of pounce

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb (1)

1648, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

1841, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1535, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

1705, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for pounce

Noun (1)

Middle English, punching tool, dagger, talon — more at punch

Verb (2)

Middle French poncer, from ponce

Noun (3)

French ponce pumice, from Middle French, from Late Latin pomic-, pomex, alteration of Latin pumic-, pumex — more at foam

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Time Traveler for pounce

The first known use of pounce was in the 15th century

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More Definitions for pounce

pounce

verb
\ ˈpau̇ns How to pronounce pounce (audio) \
pounced; pouncing

Kids Definition of pounce

1 : to suddenly jump toward and seize something with or as if with claws The cat waited to pounce.
2 : to act, approach, or attack suddenly or without hesitation I pounced on the opportunity.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pounce

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with pounce

Spanish Central: Translation of pounce

Nglish: Translation of pounce for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of pounce for Arabic Speakers

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