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."
separable
pound out
B2 informal separable transitive
To produce something with great energy or force, especially music, writing, or rhythmic sounds.
In plain English
To make or produce something with a lot of energy and force, like typing fast or playing music loudly.
What does "pound out" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
separable
3 B2 neutral
To produce a rhythmic, powerful sound repeatedly.
"The drums were pounding out a steady beat throughout the ceremony."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
'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.
Actually means
To make or produce something with a lot of energy and force, like typing fast or playing music loudly.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "pound out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
rhythm melody article words tune letters
How to conjugate "pound out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "pound out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "pound out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.