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

The castles actually last, unlike those on the beach that can get pummeled by the incoming tide. —Mia Taylor, Parents, 7 Jan. 2026

The next day, the Patriots pummeled the Jets in an outcome everyone expected. —Chad Graff, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026

Viral Cincinnati beatdown sparks racial tensions A violent beating in downtown Cincinnati rocked the nation after video of a group of Black suspects were filmed pummeling at least two White victims in images that quickly went viral online. —Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 31 Dec. 2025

However, their struggles early in the season contributed to Miami’s 1-6 start because every NFL team was pummeling the Dolphins on the ground in the first half of the year. —Miami Herald, 31 Dec. 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