What does POUND mean?

Parts of Speech

Pound can be used as a noun or a verb.

Definitions

• As a noun: a unit of weight equal to 16 ounces or 0.453592 kilograms; the basic monetary unit of the UK and certain other countries; a place where stray animals are kept.
• As a verb: to strike or hit heavily and repeatedly; to move or travel with great force or speed; to crush or grind something into powder or paste.

Pronunciations

• US: /paʊnd/
• UK: /paʊnd/

Origin and Usage

The word "pound" comes from the Latin word "pondo," meaning "weight." It has been used as a unit of weight since the Anglo-Saxon period, and as a unit of currency since the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. Pound has many different uses in modern English, from measuring weight and currency to describing forceful actions and animal shelters.

Synonyms

• As a unit of weight: ounce, kilogram, gram, ton
• As a unit of currency: dollar, euro, yen, pound sterling
• As a verb: beat, strike, hammer, pummel
• As a noun: animal shelter, kennel, poundage

Related Words

• Bound
• Round
• Sound
• Tound
• Wound

Example Sentences

• He weighed the meat on a pound scale before cooking it.
• She withdrew 500 pounds from her bank account.
• The animal control officer took the stray dog to the pound.
• The boxer pounded his opponent with a series of powerful punches.
• The waves pounded against the shore during the storm.
• She pounded the garlic and herbs in a mortar and pestle.