plunger

noun

plung·er ˈplən-jər

: one that plunges: such as

: diver

: a reckless gambler or speculator

c(1)

: a sliding reciprocating piece driven by or against fluid pressure

especially : piston

(2)

: a piece with a motion like that of a ram or piston

: a rubber suction cup on a handle used to free plumbing traps and waste outlets of obstructions

Examples of plunger in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Line up the plunger cup over the drain, then push down to create suction in the drain line and dislodge the clog. — Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2026 Often a plunger or a drain cleaning detergent can solve the problem. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 17 Sep. 2026 Aesha sends Kayley to deal with it, but a regular sink plunger can’t do the job — Nathan has to suction the stuff out with the wet vacuum. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026 Autumn features a holiday market and stroll, and winter is for the brave polar plungers on New Year’s Day and designated free snowmobiling weekends (usually in late February and early March). — Lauren Breedlove, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for plunger

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of plunger was in 1611

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Plunger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plunger. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

plunger

noun

plung·er ˈplən-jər

: one that plunges: as

: a device (as a piston in a pump) that acts with a plunging motion

: a rubber suction cup on a handle used to free plumbing traps and waste outlets of something blocking them

plunger

noun

Examples of plunger in a Sentence

Word History

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Kids Definition

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