# punch

/ˈpəntʃ/ (US) · /pˈʌntʃ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/punch
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. to hit with a fist

verb · CEFR A2

to hit someone or something with your closed hand.

For teachers: to strike with a closed fist. Transitive, requiring a direct object.

- He got so angry that he punched the wall, which was a mistake.
- The boxer managed to punch his opponent squarely in the jaw, ending the match in the third round.

### 2. to make a hole

verb · CEFR B1

to make a hole in something using a tool or a machine.

For teachers: to pierce or create an aperture in a material using a specialized tool or mechanical pressure.

- You need to punch two holes in the paper to put it in the folder.
- The conductor moved through the carriage to punch the passengers' tickets, leaving a small star-shaped mark on each one.

### 3. to enter data

verb · CEFR B2

to press buttons or keys to enter information into a machine.

For teachers: to input data or operate a device by depressing keys or buttons.

- She punched her PIN into the machine to withdraw some cash.
- The clerk spent the afternoon punching figures into the database to ensure the quarterly reports were accurate.

### 4. dating someone more attractive

verb · CEFR C1 · British English · Informal · Slang

to date someone who is much more attractive or successful than you are.

For teachers: an ellipsis of the phrase 'punching above one's weight', referring to a romantic partner perceived as being in a higher social or aesthetic tier.

- Everyone says he is punching because his girlfriend is a famous model.
- His friends jokingly suggested he was punching when he started dating the lead actress from the local theatre troupe.

Teaching tip: This is a shortened version of the boxing metaphor 'punching above your weight'; it is very common in casual British conversation.

### 5. a hit with a fist

noun · CEFR A2

a blow or hit made with a closed hand.

For teachers: a forceful strike delivered with the fist.

- The fight ended after just one powerful punch to the stomach.
- The protagonist narrowly avoided a punch to the face by ducking behind a heavy wooden table.

### 6. a drink

noun · CEFR B1

a cold drink made by mixing fruit juices and often alcohol, served in a large bowl.

For teachers: a beverage consisting of a mixture of fruit juices and other ingredients, typically prepared in large quantities for social gatherings.

- We served a non-alcoholic fruit punch at the children's birthday party.
- The host prepared a potent rum punch, garnishing the bowl with fresh slices of lime and orange.

### 7. impact or energy

noun · CEFR B2

the power or excitement that something has.

For teachers: effective force, vigor, or emotional impact.

- The ending of the movie lacked punch and felt very disappointing.
- The marketing team felt the new slogan lacked the necessary punch to capture the attention of a younger demographic.

### 8. a tool for holes

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a small tool used for making holes or marks in metal, leather, or paper.

For teachers: a mechanical tool or handheld instrument designed to indent or create holes in a surface.

- He used a leather punch to add an extra hole to his belt.
- The machinist selected a hardened steel punch to mark the center of the plate before drilling.

## Examples

- He threw a powerful punch at the heavy bag.
- The host served a refreshing fruit punch to the guests as they arrived at the summer garden party.
- The boxer's counter-punch was so swift and precise that it effectively ended the match before his opponent could regain his defensive stance.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.