Definition

A small board with many holes, each containing a rolled-up slip of paper that can be punched out to reveal a prize or outcome in a game of chance.

Example

At the fair, we played the punchboard game and won a few small prizes.

Conversation

Have you ever played with a punchboard?

Yeah, I remember playing that at the fair last summer!

It's so much fun trying to win a prize from the punchboard.

For sure! I actually won a stuffed animal that day.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Punchboard → The word is formed from "punch" (from Middle English *punchen*, meaning to hit or strike) and "board" (from Old English *bord*, meaning a flat piece of material). Together, these parts describe a flat board that is struck or hit, typically used in games or gambling.

Memory Tip

Think of hitting or striking ('punch') a flat piece of material ('board') — that's what a punchboard is.

Visually Confused Words