pompom

or pom-pom

[ pom-pom ]

/ ˈpɒmˌpɒm /

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noun

an automatic antiaircraft cannon.

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Origin of pompom

First recorded in 1895–1900; imitative

Other definitions for pompom (2 of 2)

pompom²

or pom-pom

[ pom-pom ]

/ ˈpɒmˌpɒm /

noun

Also pompon. an ornamental tuft or ball of feathers, wool, or the like, used on hats, slippers, etc.

pompon (def. 3).

Origin of pompom

1740–50; variant of pompon, with assimilation of final n

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use pompom in a sentence

Shattuck retired her pom-poms after two years, but stayed on for six more as a coach.
From Baltimore Ravens Cheerleader to Mrs. Robinson|Brandy Zadrozny|November 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
For the half-time show, a cheerleader and her doppelgängers perform some hypnotic, pom-pom routines (see 1:11).
Austin Mahone, Grouplove & More Best Music Videos of the Week (VIDEO)|Jean Trinh|June 15, 2013|DAILY BEAST
POM founder Lynda Resnick explains how Spurlock sold her on The Greatest Movie Ever Sold.
Morgan Spurlock's Juicy Movie Sponsor|Lynda Resnick|April 22, 2011|DAILY BEAST
POM has always had a personality—from its sexy little bottle to its cheeky advertising.
Morgan Spurlock's Juicy Movie Sponsor|Lynda Resnick|April 22, 2011|DAILY BEAST

Why not Biscuits for Elephants, POM Wonderful for Elephants, or John Mayer for Elephants?
Film-Inspired Cocktails: Water for Elephants|Brody Brown|April 22, 2011|DAILY BEAST
With great deliberation and much formality Wu-pom Nai proceeded to loosen the boy's heavy plaits of hair.
Our Little Korean Cousin|H. Lee M. Pike
A pom-pom of ours is now popping away just ahead, and there is a good deal of rifle-fire.
In the Ranks of the C.I.V.|Erskine Childers
Our side at first answered with pom-poms, Maxims, and rifle-fire, but our guns have just come into action.
In the Ranks of the C.I.V.|Erskine Childers
Then pom-pom-pom, whew-w-w-w, as shells came singing over the rear-guard.
In the Ranks of the C.I.V.|Erskine Childers
The black muzzles of multiple pom-poms were swinging around, poking toward the sky.
The Lost Warship|Robert Moore Williams

British Dictionary definitions for pompom (1 of 2)

pompom

pompon

/ (ˈpɒmpɒm) /

noun

a ball of tufted silk, wool, feathers, etc, worn on a hat for decoration

the small globelike flower head of certain cultivated varieties of dahlia and chrysanthemum
(as modifier)pompom dahlia

Word Origin for pompom

C18: from French, from Old French pompe knot of ribbons, of uncertain origin

British Dictionary definitions for pompom (2 of 2)

pom-pom

/ (ˈpɒmpɒm) /

noun

an automatic rapid-firing, small-calibre cannon, esp a type of anti-aircraft cannon used in World War IIAlso called: pompom

Word Origin for pom-pom

C19: of imitative origin

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012