pummel

verb

pum·​mel ˈpə-məl 

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

ˈpəm-liŋ

: pound, beat

Synonyms

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

Examples of pummel in a Sentence

pummeled the mugger with her fists until help arrived

Recent Examples on the Web

Fans chanted for Jimmy Uso as he was being pummeled by Bronson Reed. —Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025

The Padres pummelled starter German Marquez to take a 7-0 lead after three innings. —Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 14 Sep. 2025

Propelled by one of guitarist Wes Borland’s hypnotic riffs, crunching beats, old-school record scratches and the group’s signature shouty choruses, the whole thing comes crashing to a close with a pummeling final chorus that finally nods to the country star in the title. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 12 Sep. 2025

It’s been pummeled by wrestling and rock ‘n roll—and lived to tell about it. —Randy Mason, Kansas City Star, 11 Sep. 2025

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