How to pronounce punch
Say it like PUHNCH. Punch is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce punch. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PUHNCH
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Punch pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PUHNCHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
American vs British pronunciation of punch
American and British speakers say punch in essentially the same way: /pʌntʃ/ in the US and /pʌntʃ/ in the UK.
British respelling: PUHNCH.
What does punch mean?
- 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”
- (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
Where does punch come from?
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 s
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with punch
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of punch.
Questions about saying punch
How do you pronounce punch?
Say PUHNCH. The American pronunciation is /pʌntʃ/. In British English it is /pʌntʃ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in punch?
Punch is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: PUHNCH.
Do Americans and Brits say punch the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /pʌntʃ/ and the British form is /pʌntʃ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.