punch-out

1 of 2

noun

punch out

2 of 2

verb

punched out; punching out; punches out

intransitive verb

1
: to record the time of one's stopping work or departure by punching a time clock
2
: to bail out of an aircraft using an ejection seat

transitive verb

1
: to beat up
2

Examples of punch-out in a Sentence

Verb you should take a course in anger management—you can't go around punching out people
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Asus chose to have a punch-out camera and obscure part of the screen rather than mount it in a larger bezel, which shows how form has come ahead of function. Ewan Spence, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024 In his first start in the big leagues, Festa struggled to turn his excellent stuff into strikeouts, giving up five runs with two punch-outs in five innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Eno Sarris, The Athletic, 23 Aug. 2024
Verb
Batted and tipped passes led to two Matthew Stafford interceptions, and running back Blake Corum fumbled on a carry when the ball was punched out by Alohi Gilman and the Chargers recovered. Jourdan Rodrigue, The Athletic, 4 Aug. 2024 Make an appointment with a good boot fitter to get the toe or ankle punched out, if necessary. Kim Kircher, Outside Online, 11 Oct. 2013 See all Example Sentences for punch-out 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1973, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1893, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of punch-out was in 1893

Dictionary Entries Near punch-out

Cite this Entry

“Punch-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punch-out. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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