plural pounds also pound
1
: a unit of weight that is equal to 16 ounces or 0.4536 kilograms
The recipe calls for a pound of ground beef.
a 50-pound dog = a dog that weighs 50 pounds
Chicken is on sale this week for $3 per/a pound.
I gained some weight last winter and I'm trying to lose a few pounds.
Pound for pound, it's the most valuable crop being grown in the state. [=when comparing a pound of this crop with a pound of other crops, a pound of this crop is more valuable]
2
a
: a basic unit of money in the United Kingdom and some other countries
The bill came to 30 pounds 10 pence.
Rent for the flat is 600 pounds per/a month.
a five-pound note
b
: a bill or coin that is worth one pound
"Do you have any cash on you?" "I've got a few pounds in my wallet."
c
technical
: the value of a pound when it is compared to another unit of money
The dollar dropped sharply against the pound.
the strength/weakness of the pound
plural pounds
1
: a place where dogs and cats that are found on the streets without an owner are kept until their owners come and get them
2
: a place to which cars that have been parked illegally are towed and kept until their owners pay to get them back
plural pounds
US
: the symbol #
To record a message, press pound. = To record a message, press the pound key. [=press the button/key labeled "#"]
called also (US) pound sign, ((British)) hash, ((British)) hash sign
pounds; pounded; pounding
1
: to hit (something or someone) with force again and again
Heavy waves pounded the shore.
The metal is heated and then pounded into shape.
She pounded [=drove] the nails into the wood.
He got frustrated and started to pound the piano keys.
He pounded his fist on the table.
The boxers were really pounding each other.
Someone is pounding [=banging] at the door.
Waves pounded against the side of the boat.
—often + onHe began to pound on a drum.
2
: to crush or break (something) into very small pieces by hitting it again and again
The wheat is pounded into flour.
Pound the herbs and garlic until they form a paste.
3
always followed by an adverb or preposition
: to walk or run with heavy and loud steps
He came pounding down the stairs.
The horses pounded up the track.
4
: to work hard at something for a long time
—usually + away
He pounded away all night at his computer, writing the report.
I don't feel like I'm making much progress, but I keep pounding away.
5
: to beat loudly and quickly
He woke from the dream in a cold sweat with his heart pounding (in his ears).
I took an aspirin because my head was pounding.
a pounding [=throbbing] headache
6
: to bomb (an area) many times
Bombers pounded the city all night.
7
US, informal
: to drink (something) quickly
They pounded (back) a few beers at the bar.
Cite this Entry
“Pound.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/pound. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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