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

That’s precisely what the Hornets did in Brooklyn on Tuesday night, pummeling the Nets 117-86 at Barclays Center to halt a two-game losing streak at the hands of Philadelphia and Boston over the weekend. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2026

Hurley was burned out after his Huskies failed to play to the program’s standard, and after he was pummeled nationally during the 2024-25 season for his combustible sideline disposition, in Maui and beyond. —Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026

Philosophy, too, is pummelled into profitability. —Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026

Two-year gilts – the part of the market most sensitive to interest-rate moves – were also pummelled. —The Week Uk, TheWeek, 28 Mar. 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