plunk

verb

ˈpləŋk 

variants or plonk

ˈpläŋk 

ˈplȯŋk

plunked or plonked; plunking or plonking; plunks or plonks

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

Synonyms

• flop
• flump
• plank
• plop
• plump

Examples of plunk in a Sentence

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

Martinez initially stayed in as a baserunner after Oakland starter Joe Boyle plunked him in the second inning at Citi Field, but he was removed in the fourth for his next at-bat. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2024

After missing a week after he was plunked, Kjerstad returned and went 2-for-18 at the plate. —Jacob Calvin Meyer, Baltimore Sun, 10 Aug. 2024

Bench-clearing battles occur every season, often provoked when a batter appears to have been plunked at or near his noggin. —Kenneth Lasson, Baltimore Sun, 5 Aug. 2024

Then plunk it in the center of the table and let everyone dig in, with plenty of crusty bread for mopping up the sauce. —Lynda Balslev, The Mercury News, 29 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

imitative

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing plunk

• plunk down

Kids Definition

plunk

verb

ˈpləŋk 

variants or plonk

ˈpläŋk 

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