pummel

verb

pum·​mel ˈpə-məl 

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

ˈpəm-liŋ

: pound, beat

Synonyms of pummel

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

Examples of pummel in a Sentence

pummeled the mugger with her fists until help arrived

Recent Examples on the Web

As in no playoff matchup against the Detroit Pistons — a team that pummeled the Knicks in their three-game regular-season sweep — courtesy of the Cavaliers. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 30 May 2026

Rain pummeled Fort Lauderdale in April of 2023, and the resulting floods shut down the city’s airport and closed schools. —Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 28 May 2026

In his first at-bat Tuesday night, Betts fell behind 0-2 to Rockies starter Kyle Freeland before pummeling a heater in the zone to center field for a two-run blast. —Katie Woo, New York Times, 27 May 2026

Officials say the artisanal gold miners became trapped about 200 yards into the mine when early monsoon rains pummeled the south of the country. —Matt Gutman, CBS News, 27 May 2026

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