First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1pounce
noun \ˈpau̇n(t)s\
Definition of POUNCE
: the claw of a bird of prey
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Origin of POUNCE
Middle English, punching tool, dagger, talon — more at punch
2pounce
verb
pouncedpounc·ing
Definition of POUNCE
intransitive verb
1
a : to swoop upon and seize something with or as if with talons b : to seize upon and make capital of something (as another's blunder or an opportunity)
2
: to make a sudden assault or approach
First Known Use of POUNCE
1648
3pounce
noun
4pounce
verb
pouncedpounc·ing
Definition of POUNCE
transitive verb
: to dust, rub, finish, or stencil with pounce
Origin of POUNCE
Middle French poncer, from ponce
First Known Use: 1535
5pounce
noun
Definition of POUNCE
1
: a fine powder formerly used to prevent ink from spreading
2
: a fine powder for making stenciled patterns
Origin of POUNCE
French ponce pumice, from Middle French, from Late Latin pomic-, pomex, alteration of Latin pumic-, pumex — more at foam
First Known Use: 1705
POUNCE Defined for Kids
pounce
verb \ˈpau̇ns\
pouncedpounc·ing
Definition of POUNCE for Kids
1
: to suddenly jump toward and seize something with or as if with claws <The cat waited to pounce.>
2
: to act, approach, or attack suddenly or without hesitation <I pounced on the opportunity.>
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