plunger

noun

plung·​er ˈplən-jər 

: one that plunges: such as

a

: diver

b

: 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

d

: 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

The Saturday fundraiser with raffle and tent party drew approximately 550 participants called plungers with a fundraising goal of more than $250,000 to assist families of patients experiencing cancer treatment. —Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025

Instead, try using a plunger, drain snake, or drain auger to physically break up or remove the clog from the drain line. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Feb. 2025

Pinball machines rely on small coils of wound copper wire, electromagnets that eject a plunger that pushes or pulls a mechanism to send the silver ball flying in a new direction. —Tim Stevens, Ars Technica, 6 Jan. 2025

After brewing, simply press the plunger filter before pouring. —Christina Shepherd McGuire, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

plunger

noun

plung·​er ˈplən-jər 

: one that plunges: as

a

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

b

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