verb
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pounce
powns
Pounce (verb) means to leap suddenly on something in order to seize it. Example: “The cat pounced on the mouse before it could reach the wall.”
verb
1
To leap suddenly on something in order to seize it.
"The cat pounced on the mouse before it could reach the wall."
"A leopard pounces on its prey with almost no warning."
2
To seize an opportunity eagerly and without hesitation.
"Investors pounced on the stock as soon as the price dropped."
noun
1
A sudden leaping attack.
"The kitten's pounce sent the ball of yarn flying across the room."
How to use pounce
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo jump on something suddenly and grab it — literally (like a cat) or figuratively (like grabbing a good deal).
Common pairings
pounce on an opportunity
pounce on prey
ready to pounce
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Word forms
- Plural
- pounces
- Third person singular
- pounces
- Past tense
- pounced
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The cat _____ on the mouse before it could reach the wall.
Etymology
From Old French ponce, from Latin pumex, "pumice" — pounce originally referred to the claw of a bird of prey, and later to the sudden striking motion itself.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for pounce
See all rhymes for pounce →Frequently asked questions
What does “pounce” mean?
The word “pounce” means to leap suddenly on something in order to seize it. In plain terms, to jump on something suddenly and grab it — literally (like a cat) or figuratively (like grabbing a good deal).
How do you pronounce “pounce”?
“Pounce” is pronounced powns (/paʊns/ in IPA).
How do you use “pounce” in a sentence?
Here is “pounce” used in a sentence: “The cat pounced on the mouse before it could reach the wall.”
What is another word for “pounce”?
Words with a similar meaning to “pounce” include strike and attack.
What part of speech is “pounce”?
Depending on how it is used, “pounce” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “pounce” come from?
The word “pounce” comes from Latin. From Old French ponce, from Latin pumex, "pumice" — pounce originally referred to the claw of a bird of prey, and later to the sudden striking motion itself.
How many meanings does “pounce” have?
“Pounce” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to leap suddenly on something in order to seize it.
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