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 of Tuesday, 36 deaths across 14 states have been attributed to the winter storm that pummeled the Northeast over the weekend. —Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 27 Jan. 2026

Unfazed by the start of their outing against Philadelphia being moved up four hours due to the after-effects of the ice storm, the Hornets pummeled the 76ers 130-93 at Spectrum Center before a few thousand fans who braved the elements. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 26 Jan. 2026

Orton pummeled Zayn with punches in the corner until Zayn reversed and did the same. —Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026

North Texas airports are in the path of a winter storm that is set to pummel the region. —Dallas Morning News, 23 Jan. 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