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¹punch

noun \ˈpənch\

Definition of PUNCH

a : a tool usually in the form of a short rod of steel that is variously shaped at one end for different operations (as forming, perforating, embossing, or cutting)

b : a short tapering steel rod for driving the heads of nails below a surface

c : a steel die faced with a letter in relief that is forced into a softer metal to form an intaglio matrix from which foundry type is cast

d : a device or machine for cutting holes or notches (as in paper or cardboard)

: a hole or notch from a perforating operation

Origin of PUNCH

Middle English pounce, punche, probably alteration of ponson, ponchon puncheon

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Hardware Terms

adze, auger, awl, chock, ferrule, tang

Rhymes with PUNCH

brunch, bunch, crunch, hunch, lunch, munch, scrunch

²punch

verb

: to hit (someone or something) hard with your fist

: to press or push (something) with a short, quick movement

: to make (a hole, dent, etc.) by pressing or cutting in, into, or through something

Full Definition of PUNCH

transitive verb

a : prod, poke

b : drive, herd <punching cattle>

a : to strike with a forward thrust especially of the fist

b : to drive or push forcibly by or as if by a punch

c : to hit (a ball) with less than a full swing

: to emboss, cut, perforate, or make with or as if with a punch

a : to push down so as to produce a desired result <punch buttons on a jukebox>

b : to hit or press down the operating mechanism of <punch a typewriter>

c : to insert a time card into (a time clock)

d : to produce by or as if by punching keys <punch out a tune on the piano>

e : to enter (as data) by punching keys

: to give emphasis to

intransitive verb

: to perform the action of punching something

: to move or push forward especially by a sudden forceful effort <punched into enemy territory>

— punch·er noun

See punch defined for English-language learners

See punch defined for kids

Origin of PUNCH

Middle English pouncen, punchen to emboss, pierce, probably from pounce, noun

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PUNCH

Synonyms: bang, bash, bat, belt, biff, bludgeon, bob, bonk, bop, box, bust, clap, clip, clobber, clock, clout, crack, hammer, knock, nail, paste, pound, hit, rap, slam, slap, slog, slug, smack, smite, sock, strike, swat, swipe, tag, thump, thwack, wallop, whack, whale, zap

³punch

noun

Definition of PUNCH

: the action of punching

: a quick blow with or as if with the fist

: effective energy or forcefulness <a story that packs a punch> <political punch>

— punch·less \ˈpənch-ləs\ adjective

— to the punch

: to the first blow or to decisive action —usually used with beat

First Known Use of PUNCH

14th century

Other Combat Sports Terms

foil, riposte, welter

⁴punch

noun

Definition of PUNCH

: a hot or cold drink that is usually a combination of hard liquor, wine, or beer and nonalcoholic beverages; also : a drink that is a mixture of nonalcoholic beverages