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

After several minutes, a metal mesh plunger (sometimes with a filter) pushes down the grounds to separate them from the liquid. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2026

Construction began when President John F. Kennedy pushed a dynamite plunger there in 1962 at a ceremony with former Gov. Pat Brown. —Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026

The last walkup plungers were still preparing in the changing tents as the hour-long event was nearing its end. —Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026

The event drew 1,500 plungers to Scarborough Beach and raised nearly $300,000, according to Special Olympics Rhode Island. —Jack Perry, The Providence Journal, 2 Jan. 2026

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