Punt: meaning, definitions and examples

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punt

 

[ pʌnt ]

Noun / Verb
Transportations
Context #1 | Noun

sports

A kick in certain sports, such as rugby or American football, in which the ball is released and kicked before it hits the ground.

Synonyms

boot, drop kick, kick

Examples of usage

  • He made a perfect punt that landed right at the opponent's 5-yard line.
  • The team decided to punt on fourth down rather than risk a turnover.
Context #2 | Noun

gambling

A bet in which the outcome depends on chance, especially a bet against the bank, typically in poker or baccarat.

Synonyms

bet, gamble, wager

Examples of usage

  • He placed a large punt on the roulette table, hoping for a big win.
  • The high roller was known for making risky punts in the casino.
Context #3 | Verb

informal

To kick the ball in a certain sports context, especially in rugby or American football.

Synonyms

boot, drop kick, kick

Examples of usage

  • The player decided to punt rather than attempt a pass.
  • He punted the ball far down the field.

Translations

Translations of the word "punt" in other languages:

🇵🇹 calçar

🇮🇳 पंट

🇩🇪 Punt

🇮🇩 menendang

🇺🇦 понт

🇵🇱 punta

🇯🇵 プント

🇫🇷 coup de pied

🇪🇸 patada

🇹🇷 şut

🇰🇷 펀트

🇸🇦 ركلة

🇨🇿 kop

🇸🇰 kop

🇨🇳 

🇸🇮 brca

🇮🇸 sparka

🇰🇿 тебу

🇬🇪 დარტყმა

🇦🇿 zərbə

🇲🇽 patada

Word origin

The word 'punt' originated in the late 17th century, derived from the obsolete English word 'pont', meaning 'a kick'. It has evolved over time to be commonly used in sports such as rugby and American football to describe a specific type of kick. In gambling contexts, 'punt' refers to a bet or wager dependent on chance, with roots in card games like poker and baccarat. The verb form of 'punt' also emerged in sports jargon, indicating the act of kicking the ball. Overall, 'punt' has a rich history connected to both sports and gambling.

See also: punter.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,016, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.