punch-up

1 of 2

noun

chiefly British

punch up

2 of 2

verb

punched up; punching up; punches up

transitive verb

: to give energy or forcefulness to
jokes added to punch up a speech

Examples of punch-up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
That said, the negative reputation surrounding the last lines in Jones’ thorny adaptation — a punch-up from Ellison’s original text that’s meaner and more sexist, no doubt — seems outsized. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 11 July 2025 The Oscar promo did end up being released, with the main concept intact but minus those punch-ups. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
The gig work humor and tech-bro satire appear to punch up at unfettered capitalism but actually punch down at the millions of workers whose problems won’t be solved by the end of the 98-minute running time. Beandrea July, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2025 Phoenix Jung Denver, CO Another variation of the tank top and sidebag look, this time punched up with a cow-print Wrangler bag ($44). Matt Nager, Outside, 1 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for punch-up

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1958, in the meaning defined above

Verb

circa 1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of punch-up was in 1958

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Cite this Entry

“Punch-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punch-up. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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