Pound
/paʊnd/
Definitions
3 meaningsA unit of weight, equal to 16 ounces avoirdupois (approximately 0.45 kilograms).
/paʊnd/
A unit of weight.
This bag of sugar weighs five pounds.
💡 Simply: It's like a way to measure how heavy something is, like a bag of sugar. You might buy a pound of sugar for your cookies.
👶 For kids: A pound is how heavy something is, like a bag of potatoes!
More Examples
The butcher sold me a pound of ground beef.
The package's shipping cost is based on its weight in pounds.
How It's Used
"The price of apples is $2 per pound."
"She used a pound of butter to make the cake."
To hit or beat repeatedly and forcefully; to crush or grind.
/paʊnd/
To hit or beat repeatedly.
He began to pound on the door, trying to get someone's attention.
💡 Simply: Imagine hitting something over and over, like pounding a nail into a wall. Or maybe your heart is pounding when you're excited!
👶 For kids: Pound means to hit something hard and over and over, like you are smashing it!
More Examples
She pounded the dough to release the air.
His heart was pounding with excitement before the race.
How It's Used
"He pounded the table in frustration."
"The drummer pounded out a rhythm on the drums."
To walk or run with heavy, rhythmic steps; to move forcefully.
/paʊnd/
To walk or run with heavy steps.
The marathon runner was pounding the pavement, striving to maintain her pace.
💡 Simply: Imagine running or walking with big, heavy steps. Your feet are pounding the ground!
👶 For kids: When you are running fast, your feet are going 'thump, thump, thump!' That's pounding!
More Examples
The storm pounded the coastline for days.
The rhythmic sound of the music made him want to pound on the dance floor.
How It's Used
"She was pounding the pavement during her marathon training."
"The news kept pounding at the public's consciousness."
Idioms & expressions
pound for pound
Comparing two things or people based on their size, weight, or strength, especially in the context of sports or boxing.
"He's the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world."
pound the books
To study intensely; to work hard at studying.
"She was pounding the books all night to prepare for her exam."
From Old English *pund*, from Latin *pondus* (weight). The verb derives from the noun, reflecting the action of crushing or hitting with weight.
The word 'pound' as a unit of weight has been in use since ancient times, originating from the Latin 'pondus'.
Memory tip
Think of a heavy object like a bowling ball. A pound is a common unit to measure its weight.