What does "pounce" mean?
A type of fine powder, as of sandarac, or cuttlefish bone, sprinkled over wet ink to dry the ink after writing or on rough paper to smooth the writing surface.
Pounce
/paʊns/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A type of fine powder, as of sandarac, or cuttlefish bone, sprinkled over wet ink to dry the ink after writing or on rough paper to smooth the writing surface.
- Grammar: pounce is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: ambush, and jump, attack, attack.
- Useful contrasts: delay, evade, hesitate.
- Usage evidence: He knows that his critics are waiting to pounce on any slip that he makes.
How to use "pounce"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "pounce" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "pounce" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "pounce" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "pounce" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "pounce" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "ambush" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "pounce", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A type of fine powder, as of sandarac, or cuttlefish bone, sprinkled over wet ink to dry the ink after writing or on rough paper to smooth the writing surface. historical, uncountable, usually
"At the Thorn, or at a meagre kitchen table, or even on the carpenter’s workbench, he spreads open the portfolio, lights a candle stub, slices a fresh quill, and arranges pounce pot and ink well."
- 2 A sudden leaping attack.
"Again the cat jolted the bed with a pounce."
- 3 the act of pouncing wordnet
- 4 Charcoal dust, or some other coloured powder for making patterns through perforated designs, used by embroiderers, lacemakers, etc. historical, uncountable, usually
- 5 The claw or talon of a bird of prey. archaic
"March 22 1775, Edmund Burke, speech in the House of Commons on conciliation with America You have , indeed , winged ministers of vengeance, who carry your bolts in their pounces to the remotest verge of the sea"
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 A punch or stamp.
"a pounce to print money with"
- 7 Cloth worked in eyelet holes.
"one spendeth his patrimony upon pounces and cuts"
- 8 Synonym of bump (“sudden movement of underground strata”).
Verb
- 1 To sprinkle or rub with pounce powder. transitive
"to pounce paper, or a pattern"
- 2 To leap into the air intending to seize someone or something. intransitive
"The kitten pounced at the ball I threw to it."
- 3 move down on as if in an attack wordnet
- 4 To attack suddenly by leaping. intransitive
"I was awakened from a dead sleep by my child pouncing on top of me from out of nowhere."
- 5 To eagerly seize an opportunity. intransitive
"I pounced on the chance to get promoted."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 To strike or seize with the talons; to pierce, as with the talons. transitive
"Stooped from his highest pitch to pounce a wren."
- 7 To stamp holes in; to perforate. transitive
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"He knows that his critics are waiting to pounce on any slip that he makes."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "pounce"?
Common synonyms include: ambush, and jump, attack, attack, belly buster, belly flop.
How do you use "pounce" in a sentence?
He knows that his critics are waiting to pounce on any slip that he makes.
How do you pronounce "pounce"?
Pronounced /paʊns/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From French ponce, from Latin pūmex. Doublet of pumice.
Etymology 2
From Middle English pounce, probably akin to punch. Possibly from Old French ponchonner (compare French poinçonner).