punch

▪ I. punch punch ¹ [pʌntʆ] verb [transitive]

to make a hole in something, for example a card that shows what time you arrived at work or left work:

• Any employee forgetting to punch his card must report it to his supervisor as soon as possible for payment authorization.

punch in

to make a hole in a card as a record of the time when you arrived at work, especially at a factory

punch out

to make a hole in a card as a record of the time when you left work, especially at a factory

  [m0] ▪ II. punch punch also ˈhole punch noun [countable] OFFICE

a metal tool used for making holes in paper or steel:

• Pass me the punch.

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punch UK US /pʌnʃ/ verb [T]

► to make a hole in something using a special tool or machine: »

I have to punch my time card when I come into work every morning.

punch a hole in sth »

They brought in a team of specialists to punch holes in the steel boiler.

● punch above your weight — Cf. punch above your weight

● punch the clock — Cf. punch the clock