plunk

1 of 2

verb

ˈpləŋk How to pronounce plunk (audio)
variants or plonk
ˈpläŋk How to pronounce plunk (audio)
ˈplȯŋk
plunked or plonked; plunking or plonking; plunks or plonks
Synonyms of plunknext

transitive verb

1
: to pluck or hit so as to produce a quick, hollow, metallic, or harsh sound
2
: to set down suddenly : plump

intransitive verb

1
: to make a plunking sound
2
: to drop abruptly : dive
3
: to come out in favor of someone or something : plump
—used with for
plunk noun
plunker noun

plunker

2 of 2

noun

plunk·​er
-kə(r)
plural -s
: one that plunks

Synonyms of plunk

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Verb

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Examples of plunk in a Sentence

Verb You've been plunking that banjo all afternoon! She plunked out a little tune on the piano. plunking away on a guitar The pitcher plunked the first two batters of the game. She plunked a mug of coffee on the counter.
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.
Verb
Tubers are as easy to plant as potatoes, but many people prefer to buy a dahlia plant or two and plunk them into a pot for instant gratification. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 June 2026 Matt Gage recorded two outs, but not before walking a batter, plunking another, allowing a single and surrendering a two-run homer. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 20 June 2026 Tim Hill plunked pinch-hitter Jacob Gonzalez and Tristan Peters with pitches before getting an out. — CBS News, 19 June 2026 After Crow-Armstrong stole second, Kuhnel plunked Bregman before walking Michael Busch on four pitches to force in the go-ahead run. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for plunk

Word History

Etymology

Verb

imitative

First Known Use

Verb

1808, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of plunk was in 1808

Phrases Containing plunk

Rhymes for plunk

See All Rhymes for plunk

Browse Nearby Words

plunging rod
plunk
plunk down
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Plunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plunk. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

plunk

verb
ˈpləŋk How to pronounce plunk (audio)
variants or plonk
ˈpläŋk How to pronounce plunk (audio)
ˈplȯŋk
1
: to make or cause to make a hollow, metallic, or harsh sound
plunk the strings of a banjo
2
: to drop or set down suddenly
plunk a suitcase on the bench
plunk noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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