thump

American  

[thuhmp] / θʌmp /

noun

1. a blow with something thick and heavy, producing a dull sound; a heavy knock.

2. the sound made by or as if by such a blow.

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verb (used with object)

1. to strike or beat with something thick and heavy, so as to produce a dull sound; pound.

2. (of an object) to strike against (something) heavily and noisily.

3. Informal.  to thrash severely.

verb (used without object)

1. to strike, beat, or fall heavily, with a dull sound.

2. to walk with heavy steps; pound.

3. to palpitate or beat violently, as the heart.

thump British  

/ θʌmp /

noun

1. the sound of a heavy solid body hitting or pounding a comparatively soft surface

2. a heavy blow with the hand

   he gave me a thump on the back

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verb

1. (tr) to strike or beat heavily; pound

2. (intr) to throb, beat, or pound violently

   his heart thumped with excitement

Other Word Forms

• thumper noun
• unthumped adjective

Etymology

Origin of thump

First recorded in 1530–40; imitative

Example Sentences

Dutchman Gakpo played his part with the cross for Isak's goal, then a thumping finish in stoppage time for their second.

From BBC

Inside a dim New Orleans-style bar in Hollywood, dozens of strangers mingle under the thump of pop music while nursing complimentary cocktails.

From Los Angeles Times

Stuart McCloskey, who started last week's thumping win over Australia, was ruled out earlier this week with a recurrence of the groin injury he picked up in the defeat by the All Blacks.

From BBC

Belgium thumped Liechtenstein 7-0 to reach next year's tournament as Switzerland and Austria ground out draws to secure their places in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

From Barron's

His first assignment was a Nations League campaign, and his team pulled off an improbable promotion to the top tier thanks to last November's thumping 4-1 win over Iceland – and Montenegro's win against Turkey.

From BBC

Related Words

• thud