verb
pounce
powns
verb
1
To leap suddenly on something in order to seize it.
"The cat pounced on the mouse before it could reach the wall."
"A leopard pounces on its prey with almost no warning."
2
To seize an opportunity eagerly and without hesitation.
"Investors pounced on the stock as soon as the price dropped."
noun
1
A sudden leaping attack.
"The kitten's pounce sent the ball of yarn flying across the room."
How to Use Pounce
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo jump on something suddenly and grab it — literally (like a cat) or figuratively (like grabbing a good deal).
Common pairings
pounce on an opportunity
pounce on prey
ready to pounce
Word Forms
pounced past tense, pounced past tense, pounces plural, pounces plural, pounces singular, pounces singular
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “pounce”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The cat _____ on the mouse before it could reach the wall.
Etymology
From Old French ponce, from Latin pumex, "pumice" — pounce originally referred to the claw of a bird of prey, and later to the sudden striking motion itself.