Pronunciation: /paʊns/

Definitions of pounce

noun A sudden swooping or springing movement made by an animal to capture prey.

Example Sentences

A1 The cat made a quick pounce on the mouse.

A2 The lion's pounce was swift and powerful.

B1 The ninja's pounce caught the enemy off guard.

B2 The goalkeeper's pounce saved the goal from being scored.

C1 The tiger's pounce was calculated and precise.

C2 The cheetah's pounce was a display of incredible speed and agility.

verb To spring or swoop suddenly in order to catch or attack something.

Example Sentences

A1 The cat pounced on the mouse.

A2 The goalkeeper pounced on the loose ball.

B1 The salesperson pounced on the opportunity to make a sale.

B2 The detective pounced on the suspect as soon as he made a move.

C1 The journalist pounced on the chance to interview the famous actor.

C2 The cheetah pounced on its prey with lightning speed.

Examples of pounce in a Sentence

formal The tiger waited patiently for the perfect moment to pounce on its prey.

informal I saw the cat pounce on a mouse in the backyard.

slang The salesperson tried to pounce on me with a high-pressure pitch.

figurative She was ready to pounce on any opportunity that came her way.

Grammatical Forms of pounce

past tense

pounced

plural

pounces

comparative

more pouncy

superlative

most pouncy

present tense

pounce

future tense

will pounce

perfect tense

has pounced

continuous tense

is pouncing

singular

pouncer

positive degree

pouncy

infinitive

to pounce

gerund

pouncing

participle

pouncing

Origin and Evolution of pounce

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Middle English
Story behind the word: The word 'pounce' originated from the Middle English word 'ponsen' which meant 'to seize or grasp'. It was derived from the Old French word 'poindre' meaning 'to sting or prick'.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the meaning of 'pounce' evolved to refer to a sudden swoop or attack, especially by a bird of prey. It also came to be used in the context of quickly seizing or grasping something.