The word punch has several meanings:

1. To hit someone or something with your closed fist. When you make a fist and strike forward, you're throwing a punch. Boxing matches are won and lost on punches. You might punch a pillow when you're frustrated, or accidentally punch your alarm clock when you're half asleep.
2. To make a hole in something using a tool or sharp force. A ticket collector punches your ticket to show you've used it. A hole punch punches neat circles in paper so you can put it in a binder. Leather workers punch holes in belts. A punch card was an early way to store computer data, with patterns of holes representing information.
3. A fruity drink, often served at parties. Punch usually combines fruit juice with other ingredients and is served from a large bowl. Some punches are fizzy, some are sweet, and some are tangy.
4. Force or impact in writing or speaking. When a sentence has punch, it hits hard and makes you pay attention. A joke's punchline delivers the surprise that makes people laugh. Good writers look for ways to add punch to their conclusions.