punch
puhnch
Punch (noun) means a hit made with a closed fist. Example: “He threw a punch and missed.”
noun
1
A hit made with a closed fist.
"He threw a punch and missed."
"The boxer landed a powerful punch to the jaw."
"The referee warned him after he threw a punch during the argument."
2
Strength, force, or impact, especially in a figurative sense.
"The speech lacked punch."
"The new advert has real punch and people remember it."
"Add some lemon to give the sauce more punch."
3
A tool used for making holes in paper or other thin material.
"She used a hole punch on the report."
"The teacher kept a paper punch in her desk drawer for the class folders."
"Use the punch to make two neat holes along the edge of the card."
4
A sweet drink, often mixing fruit juice with another beverage, sometimes alcoholic.
"They served fruit punch at the party."
"Grandma stirred a big bowl of punch with slices of orange floating in it."
"Would you like a glass of punch or a cup of tea?"
verb
1
To hit someone or something with a closed fist, or to make a hole with a punch.
"He punched the wall in frustration."
"The conductor punched our tickets."
"She punched a small hole in the leather strap to fit the buckle."
How to use punch
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA hit with the fist, a tool for making holes, or a fruity party drink.
Common pairings
throw a punch
punch a hole
pack a punch
fruit punch
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Word forms
- Plural
- punches
- Third person singular
- punches
- Past tense
- punched
- Comparative
- more punch
- Superlative
- most punch
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He threw a _____ and missed.
Etymology
From Old French ponchonner, "to punch or prick," related to Latin pungere, "to prick."
Related words
Rhymes for punch
See all rhymes for punch →Frequently asked questions
What does “punch” mean?
The word “punch” means a hit made with a closed fist. In plain terms, a hit with the fist, a tool for making holes, or a fruity party drink.
How do you pronounce “punch”?
“Punch” is pronounced puhnch (/pʌnt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “punch” in a sentence?
Here is “punch” used in a sentence: “He threw a punch and missed.”
What is another word for “punch”?
Words with a similar meaning to “punch” include blow, box, knuckle sandwich and bunch of fives.
What part of speech is “punch”?
Depending on how it is used, “punch” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “punch” come from?
The word “punch” comes from Latin. From Old French ponchonner, "to punch or prick," related to Latin pungere, "to prick.".
Is “punch” a common word?
“Punch” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “punch” have?
“Punch” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a hit made with a closed fist.
What is the difference between a 'punch' and a 'slap'?
A punch is a hit made with a closed fist, delivering force through the knuckles. A slap is struck with an open hand, usually flat against the skin, making it a different kind of blow.
What is the difference between a 'jab' and a 'punch'?
A jab is a specific type of punch: a quick, straight hit, usually with the lead hand. A punch is the general term for any blow made with a closed fist, so all jabs are punches, but not all punches are jabs.
What are common phrases built around the word 'punch'?
The figurative sense of impact appears in phrases like 'pack a punch', 'punch above your weight', and 'not pull any punches'. Each draws on the idea of force or effect rather than a literal blow.
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