plunk

play

verb \ˈpləŋk\

variants: or

plonk

play \ˈpläŋk, ˈplȯŋk\

Definition of plunk

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

See plunk defined for English-language learners

See plunk defined for kids

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 of plunk from the Web

Green has voiced his belief that deliberately plunking a batter is an outdated mode of retribution, especially if the opposing side did not have ill intent.

— dennis lin, sandiegouniontribune.com, "MLB suspends Dave Roberts one game, fines Andy Green", 1 July 2017
Handed a 4–2 lead going into the ninth, righty Blake Treinen got Addison Russell to strike out to start the frame, then plunked Jeimer Candelario.

— jon tayler, SI.com, "Losing Trea Turner hurts, but Nationals' bullpen problem is far more worrisome", 30 June 2017
One batter later, Homer Bailey plunked Santana, leading home-plate umpire Fieldin Culbreth to speak briefly to the right-hander.

— todd rosiak, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Brewers 11, Reds 3: Bats back Jimmy Nelson", 29 June 2017
But the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has only plunked $275,000 into the South Carolina race, compared to a $5 million investment in the special election in Georgia’s 6th District.

— meg kinnard, The Seattle Times, "South Carolina voters choosing Mulvaney’s replacement", 20 June 2017
James Hoyt plunked Mookie Betts in the right knee with one out in the seventh before hitting Dustin Pedroia in the back with a pitch.

— courant.com, "Bogaerts Hits 2 Homers To Lead Red Sox Over Astros", 19 June 2017
Pittsburgh righty Trevor Williams was the one who plunked Stanton.

— tim healey, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Marlins' Giancarlo Stanton on bruised right wrist after getting hit: 'I thought it was snapped'", 10 June 2017
That's after plunking down almost $800,000 as a 20 percent deposit.

— janet eastman, OregonLive.com, "Can't buy a Lake Oswego mansion for $4 million? Then rent it (photos)", 6 June 2017
Even the famously cynical P. T. Barnum plunked down his cash.

— edward dolnick, New York Times, "Putting Cowboys — and Their Industry — in True Historical Context", 2 June 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of plunk

imitative

NEW!

First Known Use: 1808

See Words from the same year

PLUNK Defined for English Language Learners

plunk

play

verb

Definition of plunk for English Language Learners

: to pull or hit a string or key on a musical instrument with your fingers especially in a way that makes a brief, somewhat harsh sound
: to hit (someone or something) especially with a ball
: to drop or place (something or someone) in a forceful and often careless way

PLUNK Defined for Kids

plunk

play

verb \ˈpləŋk\

Definition of plunk for Students

plunked

;

plunking

1 : to lie or sit down suddenly or heavily
2 : to drop or place heavily or carelessly She plunked her mug on the table.
3 : to make a sound on (an instrument) by pulling the strings or keys