SportsJuly 17, 2026
pommel
/ˈpɒməl/
Definition
A specific gymnastics apparatus consisting of a horizontal body with two upward-projecting handles, used for routines requiring balance and upper-body strength.
Etymology
Derived from the Old French 'pome', meaning 'apple', due to the round shape of the handle's knob. It eventually entered Middle English to describe rounded or spherical objects, such as a sword's pommel, before being applied to the gymnastics apparatus.
In the news
In this article, the word refers to the gymnast's primary competition event; McClenaghan was unable to participate in 'pommel horse' events during 2025 due to a shoulder injury.
McClenaghan 2.0 a 'work in progress' heading to Glasgow
Read the full article ↗Yahoo Sports