1 B1 neutral
To record the time you start work, originally by inserting a time card into a machine.
"All staff must punch in before 9 a.m. or it will be recorded as a late arrival."
inseparable
punch in
B1 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To record the start of one's workday using a time clock, or to enter data by pressing keys.
In plain English
To record when you start work, or to type something in.
What does "punch in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To enter data or a code by pressing buttons or keys.
"Just punch in your PIN and the gate will open automatically."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Transparent — to punch (press) a card into a time-recording machine, or to strike keys to enter information.
Actually means
To record when you start work, or to type something in.
Usage tip
'Punch in' for starting work is primarily American English; British English prefers 'clock in'. The data-entry sense is widely used in both varieties. Derived from the physical action of punching a time card into a machine.
Words that pair with "punch in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
time card code number data address PIN hours
How to conjugate "punch in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
punch in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
punches in
he/she/it
Past simple
punched in
yesterday
Past participle
punched in
have + pp
-ing form
punching in
continuous
Hear "punch in" in the wild
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