DictionarypunchMixed drink
noun

punch

A mixed drink often served from a bowl.

The host ladles fruit punch into the cups.

Etymology

The drink-name is generally traced to the word for five. It is traditionally explained through five ingredients in an early mixture, though recipes have varied widely.

More examples

  • She made a bowl of punch for the party.
  • The punch contained no alcohol.
  • They served two different punches at the reception.

Forms

punch · punches

Similar words

cocktail
A mixed drink usually made in individual servings.
mixture
A broader term for combined ingredients.