Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

pounce

noun (1)
Save Word
\ 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

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about pounce

Time Traveler for pounce

Time Traveler

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

See more words from the same century

Statistics for pounce

Cite this Entry

“Pounce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pounce. Accessed 17 Jan. 2021.

Keep scrolling for more

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.

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on pounce

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for pounce

Nglish: Translation of pounce for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of pounce for Arabic Speakers

Comments on pounce

What made you want to look up pounce? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

modicum

Listen to the pronunciation of modicum

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Words of Snow and Ice Quiz

  • image1037863653
  • Which of the following refers to thin, bending ice, or to the act of running over such ice?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Typeshift

Anagram puzzles meet word search.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games