puncheon

1 of 2

noun (1)

pun·​cheon ˈpən-chən How to pronounce puncheon (audio)
Synonyms of puncheonnext
1
: a pointed tool for piercing or for working on stone
2
a
: a short upright framing timber
b
: a split log or heavy slab with the face smoothed

puncheon

2 of 2

noun (2)

: a large cask of varying capacity

Synonyms

Noun (2)

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Examples of puncheon in a Sentence

Noun (2) stored the puncheons of rum in the cellar
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
The Arizona La Osa is a 2019 Grenache aged 18 months in neutral 500-liter puncheons and bottled unfiltered. — Sarah Lapidus, The Arizona Republic, 17 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English ponson, punchon, from Anglo-French ponchon pointed tool, support, ultimately from Vulgar Latin *punctiare to prick, pierce, from Latin punctum, supine of pungere — more at pungent

Noun (2)

Middle English punchon, from Anglo-French ponchon, probably from Middle French poinçon mark on goods certifying their origin

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of puncheon was in the 14th century

Rhymes for puncheon

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Cite this Entry

“Puncheon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/puncheon. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

puncheon

noun
pun·​cheon
ˈpən-chən
: a large barrel of varying size
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