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1

punch

play
noun \ ˈpənch \

Definition of punch

1 a :a tool usually in the form of a short rod of steel that is variously shaped at one end for different operations (such as forming, perforating, embossing, or cutting)
b :a short tapering steel rod for driving the heads of nails below a surface
c :a steel die faced with a letter in relief that is forced into a softer metal to form an intaglio matrix from which foundry type is cast
d :a device or machine for cutting holes or notches (as in paper or cardboard)
2 :a hole or notch from a perforating operation

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Origin and Etymology of punch

Middle English pounce, punche, probably alteration of ponson, ponchon puncheon

Other Hardware Terms

adze, auger, awl, chock, ferrule, tang

2

punch

verb

Definition of punch

transitive verb
1 a :prod, poke
b :drive, herd
  • punching cattle
2 a :to strike with a forward thrust especially of the fist
b :to drive or push forcibly by or as if by a punch
c :to hit (a ball) with less than a full swing
3 :to emboss, cut, perforate, or make with or as if with a punch
4 a :to push down so as to produce a desired result
  • punch buttons on a jukebox
b :to hit or press down the operating mechanism of
  • punch a typewriter
c :to insert a time card into (a time clock)
d :to produce by or as if by punching keys
  • punch out a tune on the piano
e :to enter (something, such as data) by punching keys
5 :to give emphasis to
intransitive verb
1 :to perform the action of punching something
2 :to move or push forward especially by a sudden forceful effort
  • punched into enemy territory
—

puncher

noun

See punch defined for English-language learners

See punch defined for kids

Examples of punch in a Sentence

  1. He punched me in the face.

  2. She punched him on the chin.

  3. He quickly punched the buttons on his telephone.

  4. She punched an opening through the dough with her finger.

  5. The tool punches holes in paper.

Origin and Etymology of punch

Middle English pouncen, punchen to emboss, pierce, probably from pounce, noun

punch Synonyms

Synonyms
bang, bash, bat, belt, biff, bludgeon, bob, bonk, bop, box, bust, clap, clip, clobber, clock, clout, crack, hammer, knock, nail, paste, pound, hit, rap, slam, slap, slog, slug, smack, smite, sock, strike, swat, swipe, tag, thump, thwack, wallop, whack, whale, zap
Related Words
batter, beat, buffet, bung, chop, cuff, drub, lace, lambaste (or lambast), lick, mangle, maul, pelt, pepper, pommel, pummel, rough; scuff; bunt, flick, stroke, tap; bump, butt, jab, jostle, kick, knee, poke, prod, push, shove, stamp; bowl (down or over), cream, deck, dump [slang], fell, floor, knock down, level; rabbit-punch, sucker punch; cane, club, cudgel, flail, flog, lash, sap, slash, sledge, sledgehammer, spear, stab, switch, thrash, whip; bean, brain, conk, skull
Near Antonyms
fill, patch, plug, seal
3

punch

noun

Definition of punch

1 :the action of punching
2 :a quick blow with or as if with the fist
3 :effective energy or forcefulness
  • a story that packs a punch
  • political punch
—

punchless

play \ˈpənch-ləs\ adjective
— to the punch
:to the first blow or to decisive action —usually used with beat

First Known Use of punch

14th century

Other Combat Sports Terms

foil, riposte, welter

4

punch

noun

Definition of punch

:a hot or cold drink that is usually a combination of hard liquor, wine, or beer and nonalcoholic beverages; also :a drink that is a mixture of nonalcoholic beverages

Origin and Etymology of punch

perhaps from Hindi & Urdu pā̃c five, from Sanskrit pañca; akin to Greek pente five; from its originally having five ingredients — more at five

Other Alcoholic Beverage Terms

finish, gimlet, mull, sake, setup, sommelier, syllabub, vintner, wassail

Phrases Related to PUNCH

Related Phrases

PUNCH Defined for English Language Learners

punch

verb

Definition of punch for English Language Learners

  • : to hit (someone or something) hard with your fist

  • : to press or push (something) with a short, quick movement

  • : to make (a hole, dent, etc.) by pressing or cutting in, into, or through something

PUNCH Defined for Kids

1

punch

play
verb \ ˈpənch \

Definition of punch for Students

punched; punching
1 :to strike with the fist
2 :to sharply press or poke
  • She punched the keys on her computer.
3 :to make (a hole) by pressing into or through something
4 :to make a hole in with a punch
2

punch

noun

Definition of punch for Students

:a drink usually containing different fruit juices
3

punch

noun

Definition of punch for Students

:a blow with or as if with the fist
4

punch

noun

Definition of punch for Students

:a tool for piercing, stamping, or cutting

Medical Dictionary

punch

play
noun \ ˈpənch \

medical Definition of punch

:a medical instrument used especially to perforate tissue or remove a small, round segment of tissue (such as skin)
  • a biopsy punch

Learn More about punch

  1. See words that rhyme with punch Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for punch Spanish Central: Translation of punch Nglish: Translation of punch for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of punch for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about punch

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Examples: punch in a Sentence