pommel

American  

[puhm-uhl, pom-] / ˈpʌm əl, ˈpɒm- /

noun

1. a knob, as on the hilt of a sword.

2. the protuberant part at the front and top of a saddle.

3. Architecture. a spherical ornament or finial.

4. Gymnastics. either of the two curved handles on the top surface of a side horse.

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verb (used with object)

pommeled, pommeling, pommelled, pommelling

1. to beat or strike with or as if with the fists or a pommel.

pommel British  

/ ˈpɒm-, ˈpʌməl /

noun

1. the raised part on the front of a saddle

2. a knob at the top of a sword or similar weapon

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verb

1. a less common word for pummel

Etymology

Origin of pommel

1300–50; (noun) Middle English pomel < Middle French, derivative of Old French pom hilt of a sword < Latin pōmum fruit; pome, -elle

Example Sentences

McClenaghan, who triumphed on the pommel horse in Paris, said it was "a huge honour".

From BBC • Dec. 29, 2025

Nedoroscik brought his pommel horse skills to Thursday’s announcement, balancing on his hands on a mat as he swung his legs around his body — in dress pants, no less.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 22, 2024

Nedoroscik also took home the bronze in the individual pommel horse event.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 6, 2024

Watch as Rhys McClenaghan wins men's pommel horse gold for Team Ireland after a "spectacular" routine in the final at Paris 2024.

From BBC • Aug. 3, 2024

Chaol strode beside her, a hand on the eagle-shaped pommel of his sword.

From "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas