paunch

[ pawnch, pahnch ]

noun

1. a large and protruding belly; potbelly.
2. the belly or abdomen.
3. the rumen.

paunch

/ pɔːntʃ /

noun

1. the belly or abdomen, esp when protruding
2. another name for rumen
3. nautical a thick mat that prevents chafing

verb

1. to stab in the stomach; disembowel

Other Words From

• paunched adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of paunch¹

1325–75; Middle English paunche < Anglo-French, for Middle French pance < Latin panticēs (plural) bowels

Word History and Origins

Origin of paunch¹

C14: from Anglo-Norman paunche, from Old French pance, from Latin panticēs (pl) bowels

Example Sentences

Taking his top off and proudly parading his paunch is a regular occurrence in Fury’s news conferences.

From BBC

It’s his first year in the red suit, and this 40-year-old rookie Santa lacks the paunch and natural white beard of older, more experienced Kris Kringles.

From Los Angeles Times

Charlotte insists there's a paunch, but nobody else sees it.

From Salon

The extra paunch would also have helped these penguins stay warm in the water.

From New York Times

“He’s moving,” David tells Maggie, handling his middle-aged paunch like a baby bump.

From New York Times