pommel

C1 Topic:Tools, Machines & Construction

US /ˈpɑməl/ UK /ˈpɒməl/ See IPA manual

Minimal pairs

Sounds like pummel /ʌ/ vs /ɑ/

Freq #66837

Meanings

1

noun
the raised front part of a saddle, used as a handhold

The rider rested one hand on the pommel as the horse turned.
2

noun
the rounded knob at the end of a sword or dagger handle

A silver pommel balanced the weight of the sword's blade.
3

noun
one of the two handles on a pommel horse in gymnastics

The gymnast shifted his weight smoothly between the pommels.
4

verb
to strike repeatedly, especially with the fists

The attackers began to pommel the locked door in frustration.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 noun · the raised front part of a... saddlebow

2 noun · the rounded knob at the end... knob

3 noun · one of the two handles on a... handle

4 verb · to strike repeatedly,... pummel beat

Word family

Derived forms pommeler

Related forms pummel saddlesword hilt

Common collocations

pommel horse Noun + noun

Etymology

From Middle English pomel, from Old French pomel, a diminutive of pome, 'apple,' ultimately from Latin pomum. The rounded saddle and sword parts were named for their apple-like shape. The striking verb is historically related to pummel.

Topics

Tools, Machines & Construction

External links

# pommel

**Type:** Word
**Level:** C1
**Part of speech:** noun, verb
**IPA (US):** /ˈpɑməl/
**IPA (UK):** /ˈpɒməl/
**Frequency rank:** 66837

## Meanings
1. the raised front part of a saddle, used as a handhold
2. the rounded knob at the end of a sword or dagger handle
3. one of the two handles on a pommel horse in gymnastics
4. to strike repeatedly, especially with the fists

## Examples
- The rider rested one hand on the pommel as the horse turned.
- A silver pommel balanced the weight of the sword's blade.
- The gymnast shifted his weight smoothly between the pommels.
- The attackers began to pommel the locked door in frustration.

## Synonyms
- saddlebow
- knob
- handle

## Derived Forms
- pommeler

## Related Forms
- pummel
- saddle
- sword hilt

## Etymology
From Middle English pomel, from Old French pomel, a diminutive of pome, 'apple,' ultimately from Latin pomum. The rounded saddle and sword parts were named for their apple-like shape. The striking verb is historically related to pummel.

## Topics
- Tools, Machines & Construction

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