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

Out of the Crate After plunking down $86,090, buyers can fit a bunch of extra bits on their Demons to get the power figure up to 840 horsepower when burning 100-octane gasoline.

— k.c. colwell, Car and Driver, "2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon," 20 July 2017
Martinez was plunked on his left hand while fouling off a 90-mile per hour fastball.

— connor grossman, SI.com, "Starting Nine: Nolan Arenado steals the show; Dodgers can't lose and more," 19 July 2017
The company has a long way to go to reach demand, and about 400,000 plunked down their cash to get on the waiting list for a 3.

— andrew moseman, Popular Mechanics, "See the Photos of the First Real Tesla Model 3," 10 July 2017
Green has voiced his belief that deliberately plunking a batter is an outdated mode of retribution, especially if the opposing side did not have ill intent.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
But the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee plunked only $275,000 into the South Carolina race, compared with a $5 million investment in the Georgia special election.

— Fox News, "South Carolina special election: Norman holds House seat for Republicans," 20 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! Time Traveler

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