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

Especially the toilet brush or plunger. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 2025

Add the lid, wait four minutes while the coffee steeps, then slowly push down on the plunger until all the grounds are at the bottom of the carafe. —Mark Marino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Dec. 2025

The plunger knob and carafe handle are both made of stainless steel, unlike the P6. —Tyler Shane, Wired News, 22 Nov. 2025

Cookie cutters with plunger stamps provide the best detail. —Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 12 Sep. 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