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punch in

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punch in

to record one's arrival at one's workplace at a certain time. What time did you punch in? I punched in at the regular time.

See also: punch

punch someone in something

to strike someone in some body part. Tony punched Nick in the side. Why didn't you punch that mean guy in the nose?

See also: punch

punch something in

to crush or smash something in. Who punched the cereal box in? Who punched in the cereal box?

See also: punch

punch in

to use a special machine to record the time you start working If we punch in at 9 a.m., our actual starting time, the company automatically docks us 15 minutes.

See also: punch

punch in something

also punch something in

to enter information on a computer or other device by pressing keys You punch in your code to get cash or your bank balance. Each door has a number pad, and for security you have to punch a number in to open the door.

See also: punch

punch in

1. Also, punch a or the clock . Check in at a job upon arrival, as in You have to punch in or you won't get paid, or In this office no one has to punch a clock. This usage alludes to the use of a time clock, which has a button an employee punches or strikes to record the time of arrival on a card. [1920s] Also see punch out, def. 1.

2. Keyboard data into a computer, as in He was careful about punching in all the payments. [Mid-1900s]

See also: punch

punch in

v.

1. To check in formally at a job upon arrival, especially by stamping the arrival time on a timecard: I punched in ten minutes late this morning and the company fired me.

2. To enter some data on a keypad or similar device: I punched in my access code and I was allowed through the door.

See also: punch