pump
noun (1)
\
Definition of pump
(Entry 1 of 3)
1 : a device that raises, transfers, delivers, or compresses fluids or that attenuates gases especially by suction or pressure or both
2 : heart
3 : an act or the process of pumping
4 : an energy source (such as light) for pumping atoms or molecules
5 : a biological mechanism by which atoms, ions, or molecules are transported across cell membranes — compare sodium pump
pump
verbDefinition of pump (Entry 2 of 3)
1 : to work a pump : raise or move a fluid with a pump
2 : to exert oneself to pump or as if to pump something
3 : to move in a manner that resembles the action of a pump handle
1a : to raise (something, such as water) with a pump
b : to draw fluid from with a pump
2 : to pour forth, deliver, or draw with or as if with a pump pumped money into the economy pump new life into the classroom
3a : to question persistently pumped him for the information
b : to elicit by persistent questioning
4a : to operate by manipulating a lever
b : to manipulate as if operating a pump handle pumped my hand warmly
c : to cause to move with an action resembling that of a pump handle a runner pumping her arms
5 : to transport (something, such as ions) against a concentration gradient by the expenditure of energy
6a : to excite (atoms or molecules) especially so as to cause emission of coherent monochromatic electromagnetic radiation (as in a laser)
b : to energize (something, such as a laser) by pumping
: to lift weights
pump
noun (2)Definition of pump (Entry 3 of 3)
: a shoe that grips the foot chiefly at the toe and heel especially : a close-fitting woman's dress shoe with a moderate to high heel
Keep scrolling for more
Synonyms & Antonyms for pump
Synonyms: Verb
bleed, draft, drain, draw (off), siphon (also syphon), tap
Antonyms: Verb
Visit the Thesaurus for More
Examples of pump in a Sentence
Verb
He pumped the water up from the bottom of the boat. The machine suddenly stopped pumping. We pumped the boat dry. We had to pump the basement out. Your heart pumps blood all over your body. I could feel the blood pumping through my veins. Blood pumped out of the cut.
Keep scrolling for more
Learn More about pump
From the Editors at Merriam-Webster
If the Shoe Fits
If the Shoe Fits
10 words for types of shoes
Statistics for pump
Look-up Popularity
Time Traveler for pump
The first known use of pump was in the 15th century
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for pump
pump
verbEnglish Language Learners Definition of pump
: to move something (such as water, air, or gas) to or from a particular place with a pump
: to remove water, air, etc., from (something) with a pump
: to remove the contents of (someone's stomach) by using a tube and a small pump
See the full definition for pump in the English Language Learners Dictionary
pump
nounKids Definition of pump
(Entry 1 of 2)
: a device for raising, moving, or compressing liquids or gases
pump
verb
\
Kids Definition of pump (Entry 2 of 2)
1 : to raise, move, or compress by using a pump pump water
2 : to fill by using a pump I pumped up my tires.
3 : to draw, force, or drive onward in the manner of a pump The heart pumps blood through the body.
4 : to question again and again to find out something She proceeded to pump me about my family and circumstances …— Gail Carson Levine, Ella Enchanted
5 : to move (something) up and down or in and out quickly and repeatedly He pumped his fist in the air.
6 : to remove (a liquid or gas) from by using a pump We pumped the boat dry.
pump
noun
\
Medical Definition of pump
(Entry 1 of 2)
1 : a device that raises, transfers, or compresses fluids or that attenuates gases especially by suction or pressure or both
2 : heart
3 : an act or the process of pumping
4 : an energy source (as light) for pumping atoms or molecules
5 : a mechanism by which atoms, ions, or molecules are transported across cell membranes — see proton pump, sodium pump
pump
intransitive verbMedical Definition of pump (Entry 2 of 2)
: to work a pump : raise or move a fluid with a pump
1 : to raise (as water) with a pump
2 : to draw fluid from with a pump
3 : to transport (as ions) against a concentration gradient by the expenditure of energy
4a : to excite (as atoms or molecules) especially so as to cause emission of coherent monochromatic electromagnetic radiation (as in a laser)
b : to energize (as a laser) by pumping
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on pump
What made you want to look up pump? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz
-
- Boreal comes from the name of the ancient Greek god of which wind?
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz
A mythological/etymological mashup!
Take the quiz -
Great Scrabble Words—A Quiz
Words to improve your Scrabble game
Take the quiz -
Name That Thing
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
Take the quiz -
Syn City
Build a city of skyscrapers—one synonym at a time.
Play the game
Share pump
Resources for pump