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

At one point, the crew shot a scene in which Whalen’s character joins a bar fight, shouting invectives at a hapless extra before pummelling him to the ground. —Chang Che, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026

Pierre quickly regains his feet but the teens continue to pummel him until gunfire rings out. —Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026

The video circulated rapidly on social media, sparking fury as at least two White victims were pummeled into the ground by a group of Black suspects. —Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026

Judge Vincent Giardino found Chrisantus Omondi not guilty by reason of insanity in the January 2024 killing of Scott Jackson, whom Omondi pummeled with a log. —Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 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