punch

noun \ ˈpənch \

Updated on: 15 Nov 2017

Definition of punch

1 a : a tool usually in the form of a short rod of steel that is variously shaped at one end for different operations (such 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)

e : a medical instrument used especially to perforate tissue or remove a small, round segment of tissue (such as skin)

a biopsy punch

2 : a hole or notch from a perforating operation

Origin and Etymology of punch

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

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Other Hardware Terms

adze, auger, awl, chock, ferrule, tang

punch

verb

Definition of punch

transitive verb

1 a : prod, poke

b : drive, herd

punching cattle

2 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

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

4 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 (something, such as data) by punching keys

5 : to give emphasis to

intransitive verb

1 : to perform the action of punching something

2 : to move or push forward especially by a sudden forceful effort

punched into enemy territory

—

puncher

noun

See punch defined for English-language learners

See punch defined for kids

Examples of punch in a Sentence

He punched me in the face.
She punched him on the chin.
He quickly punched the buttons on his telephone.
She punched an opening through the dough with her finger.
The tool punches holes in paper.

Origin and Etymology of punch

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

punch Synonyms

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

Related Words

batter, beat, buffet, bung, chop, cuff, drub, lace, lambaste (or lambast), lick, mangle, maul, pelt, pepper, pommel, pummel, rough; scuff; bunt, flick, stroke, tap; bump, butt, jab, jostle, kick, knee, poke, prod, push, shove, stamp; bowl (down or over), cream, deck, dump [slang], fell, floor, knock down, level; rabbit-punch, sucker punch; cane, club, cudgel, flail, flog, lash, sap, slash, sledge, sledgehammer, spear, stab, switch, thrash, whip; bean, brain, conk, skull

Near Antonyms

fill, patch, plug, seal

punch

noun

Definition of punch

1 : the action of punching

2 : a quick blow with or as if with the fist

3 : effective energy or forcefulness

a story that packs a punch

political punch

—

punchless

play \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

punch

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

Origin and Etymology of punch

perhaps from Hindi & Urdu pā̃c five, from Sanskrit pañca; akin to Greek pente five; from its originally having five ingredients — more at five

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1600

See Words from the same year

Other Alcoholic Beverage Terms

finish, gimlet, mull, sake, setup, sommelier, syllabub, vintner, wassail

PUNCH Defined for English Language Learners

punch

verb

Definition of punch for English Language Learners

: 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

PUNCH Defined for Kids

punch

verb \ ˈpənch \

Definition of punch for Students

punched; punching

1 : to strike with the fist

2 : to sharply press or poke

She punched the keys on her computer.

3 : to make (a hole) by pressing into or through something

4 : to make a hole in with a punch

punch

noun

Definition of punch for Students

: a drink usually containing different fruit juices

punch

noun

Definition of punch for Students

: a blow with or as if with the fist

punch

noun

Definition of punch for Students

: a tool for piercing, stamping, or cutting

Medical Dictionary

punch

noun \ ˈpənch \

medical Definition of punch

: a medical instrument used especially to perforate tissue or remove a small, round segment of tissue (such as skin)

a biopsy punch

Learn More about punch

See words that rhyme with punch Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for punch Spanish Central: Translation of punch Nglish: Translation of punch for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of punch for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about punch

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punch

Definition of punch

punchless

First Known Use of punch

Other Combat Sports Terms

punch

Definition of punch

Origin and Etymology of punch

Other Alcoholic Beverage Terms

Phrases Related to PUNCH

Related Phrases

PUNCH Defined for English Language Learners

punch

Definition of punch for English Language Learners

PUNCH Defined for Kids

punch

Definition of punch for Students

punch

Definition of punch for Students

punch

Definition of punch for Students

punch

Definition of punch for Students

Medical Dictionary

punch

medical Definition of punch

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