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Added 9 October 2026

punch

/pʌnt͡ʃ/ noun

Latin root: punctio Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about punch at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

(boxing) a blow with the fist.
I gave him a clout on his nose
An iced mixed drink usually containing alcohol and prepared for multiple servings; normally served in a punch bowl.
A tool for making holes or indentations.

verb

Deliver a quick blow to.
he punched me in the stomach
Drive forcibly as if by a punch.
the nail punched through the wall
Make a hole into or between, as for ease of separation.
perforate the sheets of paper

Origin

From Middle English punchen, partially from Old French ponchonner (“to punch”), from ponchon (“pointed tool”), from Latin punctio, from punctus, perfect passive participle of pungō (“I prick”); and partially from Middle English punchen, a syncopated variant of punischen ("to punish"; see punish). Also influenced by Middle English punchon ("a punch"; see puncheon). Compare also Middle English bunchen, bonchen (“to punch, deliver a blow, pound, beat”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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