Definition

1. Noun:
   • A decorative ball or tuft of wool, silk, or other material: A soft, round ornament, typically made of gathered strands, used as a decoration on items like hats, shoes, or costumes.
   • A dusky grey food fish found from Louisiana and Florida southward: A type of marine fish, also known as the "Atlantic bumper" (Chloroscombrus chrysurus), valued as a food source.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Ornament):
  • The winter hat was topped with a bright red pompon.
  • Her cheerleading uniform had matching pompons on the sleeves.
• Noun (Fish):
  • The local fishermen often catch pompon in these waters.
  • Pompon is considered a good fish for frying.

Advanced Usage

• "Pompon flower": Refers to certain types of flowers, like chrysanthemums or dahlias, that have a dense, rounded form resembling the ornamental pompon.
  • She grew beautiful pompon dahlias in her garden.
• In a military context, a pompon can refer to a similar tufted ornament on a uniform, such as on certain types of headgear.

Variants and Related Words

• Pompom: A common variant spelling, especially when referring to the large, handheld ornaments used by cheerleaders.
  • The cheerleaders shook their pompoms energetically.
• Pom-pom: Another accepted hyphenated spelling for the ornament.

Synonyms

• Tassel: A hanging ornament made of threads. (Note: A tassel is typically longer and hangs freely, while a pompon is a ball.)
• Bobble: A small, soft ball, often used on clothing.
• Tuft: A bunch of strands attached at the base.

Related Phrases

• Pompon girl: A cheerleader, especially one who uses pompons.
  • She was a pompon girl for her high school team.

Noun

1. dusky grey food fish found from Louisiana and Florida southward
2. decoration consisting of a ball of tufted wool or silk; usually worn on a hat