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pound out

B2 informal separable transitive
In simple words

To make or produce something with a lot of energy and force, like typing fast or playing music loudly.

Literal meaning: 'Pound' means to hit hard and repeatedly; 'out' indicates producing something outward — giving the vivid image of forcefully producing something beat by beat or keystroke by keystroke.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

To play music loudly and energetically, striking the instrument with force.

"The pianist was pounding out jazz classics to an enthusiastic crowd."

Grammar: separable
2 B2 idiomatic informal

To write or type something quickly and with great energy.

"She sat at her desk pounding out the final chapter of her novel."

Grammar: separable
3 B2 neutral

To produce a rhythmic, powerful sound repeatedly.

"The drums were pounding out a steady beat throughout the ceremony."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Common in informal English. Most often used for producing music (pounding out a rhythm on a drum) or writing (pounding out an article on a keyboard). Implies both effort and a powerful, rhythmic quality. The image of 'pounding' (hitting hard and repeatedly) drives the meaning.

Commonly used with

rhythm melody article words tune letters

Forms

Base
pound out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pounds out
he/she/it
Past simple
pounded out
yesterday
Past participle
pounded out
have + pp
-ing form
pounding out
continuous

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