Definition of punch
1a : 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 surfacec : 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 castd : a device or machine for cutting holes or notches (as in paper or cardboard)
2 : a hole or notch from a perforating operation
From the M-W Editors
Origin and Etymology of punch
Middle English pounce, punche, probably alteration of ponson, ponchon puncheon
First Known Use: 14th century
punch
Definition of punch
transitive verb
2a : to strike with a forward thrust especially of the fistb : to drive or push forcibly by or as if by a punchc : to hit (a ball) with less than a full swing
3 : to emboss, cut, perforate, or make with or as if with a punch
4a : to push down so as to produce a desired result punch buttons on a jukeboxb : to hit or press down the operating mechanism of punch a typewriterc : 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 pianoe : 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
nounExamples of punch in a Sentence
He punched me in the face.
She punched him on the chin.
He quickly punched the buttons on his telephone.
She punched an opening through the dough with her finger.
The tool punches holes in paper.
Origin and Etymology of punch
Middle English pouncen, punchen to emboss, pierce, probably from pounce, noun
First Known Use: 14th century
punch
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
First Known Use: 1600
PUNCH Defined for English Language Learners
punch
Definition of punch for English Language Learners
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: to hit (someone or something) hard with your fist
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: to press or push (something) with a short, quick movement
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: to make (a hole, dent, etc.) by pressing or cutting in, into, or through something
PUNCH Defined for Kids
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
Definition of punch for Students
: a drink usually containing different fruit juices
Medical Dictionary
punch
playMedical 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
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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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