plink

verb \ ˈpliŋk \

Updated on: 7 May 2018

Definition of plink

intransitive verb

1 : to make a tinkling sound

2 : to shoot at random targets in an informal and noncompetitive manner

transitive verb

1 : to cause to make a tinkling sound

2 : to shoot at especially in a casual manner

—

plinker

noun

Recent Examples of plink from the Web

On the passage along the golden figure’s backside, Thais filed by plinking coins into a row of metal bowls, creating a musical drizzle.

— New York Times, "Taking to the River in Thailand," 10 Apr. 2018
The rhythmic alt-R&B track features similarly summery instrumentals, plinking beats and bright synths to relay an almost playful vibe.

— tamar herman, Billboard, "iKON Follow Up Success of 'Return' Album With New Single 'Rubber Band'," 9 Mar. 2018
Soft rock instrumentals and plinking digitized beats propel the track, during which Kim Sung Kyu confesses his love to a friend through crisp, clear vocals.

— tamar herman, Billboard, "INFINITE's Kim Sung Kyu Releases First LP '10 Stories': Watch the Music Video for 'True Love'," 27 Feb. 2018
Imagine getting to play pitch-and-putt at Augusta, or plinking grounders from home plate in an empty Yankee Stadium, or excusing yourself from the tour at Churchill Downs to hurl in Eddie Arcaro’s private stall.

— dan neil, WSJ, "2017 Ford GT: A $450,000 Road Rocket That’s Two Cars in One," 6 July 2017
A few years later, Indra was at the piano plinking out a piece by Beethoven.

— andrea simakis, cleveland.com, "Lakewood native Dave Malloy made Tony darling the "Great Comet," but what made Dave Malloy?," 11 June 2017
Mikal Cronin tentatively strummed his bass, Charles Moothart tightened drumheads, Ben Boye plinked a few keys on his electric piano.

— joshua klein, chicagotribune.com, "Review: Ty Segall makes hooky racket at Metro," 14 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'plink.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of plink

imitative

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1941

in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

plink

noun

Definition of plink

: a tinkling metallic sound

Recent Examples of plink from the Web

The first, which is built around Malik’s velvet vocals, a heartrending melody and spare, sonar-plink sonics builds -- and improves -- on his debut album’s sound.

— jonathan ringen, Billboard, "Zayn Opens Up About Conquering Anxiety, Prepping Album No. 2 -- and Why He's Been Living on a Farm," 2 Nov. 2017
Classical music plinks softly from speakers overhead.

— emily anthes, New York Times, "The Mystery of the Wasting House-Cats," 16 May 2017

First Known Use of plink

1916

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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plink

Definition of plink

plinker

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Origin and Etymology of plink

plink

Definition of plink

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plink

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plinker

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plink

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