pommel

[ puhm-uhl, pom- ]

noun

1. a knob, as on the hilt of a sword.
2. the protuberant part at the front and top of a saddle.
3. Architecture. a spherical ornament or finial.
4. Gymnastics. either of the two curved handles on the top surface of a side horse.

verb (used with object)

, pom·meled, pom·mel·ing or (especially British) pom·melled, pom·mel·ling.

1. to beat or strike with or as if with the fists or a pommel.

pommel

/ ˈpɒm-; ˈpʌməl /

noun

1. the raised part on the front of a saddle
2. a knob at the top of a sword or similar weapon

verb

1. a less common word for pummel

Word History and Origins

Origin of pommel¹

1300–50; (noun) Middle English pomel < Middle French, derivative of Old French pom hilt of a sword < Latin pōmum fruit; pome, -elle

Word History and Origins

Origin of pommel¹

C14: from Old French pomel knob, from Vulgar Latin pōmellum (unattested) little apple, from Latin pōmum apple

Example Sentences

‘DWTS’ announces its Season 33 cast, which includes ‘90210’ star Tori Spelling, the Paris Olympics’ ‘pommel horse guy’ and a Bachelor and a Bachelorette.

From Los Angeles Times

Nedoroscik secured his second bronze medal in the individual pommel horse final on Aug. 3.

From Los Angeles Times

Once the glasses came off, the 25-year-old turned into a pommel machine, and delivered a nerveless performances in both the team and individual events.

From BBC

Nedoroscik also took home the bronze in the individual pommel horse event.

From Los Angeles Times

Stephen Nedoroscik finishes his pommel horse routine in the final and the crowd goes WILD!

From Los Angeles Times