: 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
Add coffee grounds and hot water to the chamber, stir, then insert the plunger halfway in to create a vacuum.
—
Mark Marino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Dec. 2025
The plunger knob and carafe handle are both made of stainless steel, unlike the P6.
—Tyler Shane, Wired News, 22 Nov. 2025
With the help of a good ole plunger.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2025
Cookie cutters with plunger stamps provide the best detail.
—Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for plunger
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Mark Marino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Dec. 2025
The plunger knob and carafe handle are both made of stainless steel, unlike the P6.
—Tyler Shane, Wired News, 22 Nov. 2025
With the help of a good ole plunger.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2025
Cookie cutters with plunger stamps provide the best detail.
—Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for plunger
Cite this Entry
“Plunger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plunger. Accessed 7 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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