What does punt mean?
To punt is to kick a ball with the foot so that it rises and travels forward, most famously in American football, where a punt is used to give possession to the opposing team or to score extra points. The word also names the kicked ball and the act of making that kick. In British and Irish English, a punt is a small, flat-bottomed boat moved by pushing a pole into the water, and in informal British usage, to punt means to gamble or place a bet. In a football context, “punt the ball,” “punt return,” and “punt for touchdown” are common expressions. The word has several established senses, so its meaning depends heavily on context, but its modern familiarity comes especially from American football.
To propel a ball by kicking it with the foot, especially to send it high and forward in American football.
"The team punted on fourth down."
In American football, a punt gives the opposing team possession; it can also be used to kick the ball through the goalposts for extra points.
To gamble or place a bet informally.
"He punted on the football match."
This sense is particularly associated with British and Irish English and is informal.
A small, flat-bottomed boat propelled by a pole.
"They hired a punt to explore the lake."
This sense is especially common in British and Irish English.
The act of kicking a ball so that it rises and travels forward, or the ball kicked in this way.
"The punt carried the ball beyond the end zone."
This sense is strongly associated with American football.
The plural is used for the football kicks, boats, or acts of gambling. In football usage, “punts” can also refer collectively to the kicking plays or the team's punting unit.
"The punts were returned to midfield."
One kick can turn a football game: a well-executed punt can leave the opposing team deep in its own territory.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of punt
The origin of the English word “punt” is not certain, and different senses may have developed through separate historical routes. The sense connected with kicking a ball and the sense connected with a flat-bottomed boat are both well established in modern English, while the gambling sense is informal and especially common in British English. The precise historical relationship among these meanings is not clear enough to state with confidence.
Related word forms
How punt is actually used
The football sense is especially associated with American football, while the boat sense is common in British and Irish English. The gambling sense is informal and is particularly familiar in British English; in American English, “punt” can also mean to bet or gamble.
Easily confused with punt
A punt is kicked with the foot, while a bunt is deliberately tapped with the bat to make the ball move slowly or drop straight down.