pump

\ ˈpəmp

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

verb

pumped; pumping; pumps

Definition of pump (Entry 2 of 3)

intransitive verb

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

transitive verb

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

pump iron

: 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

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about pump

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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.

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Cite this Entry

“Pump.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pump. Accessed 18 Feb. 2020.

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More Definitions for pump

pump

verb

English 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

noun

Kids Definition of pump

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a device for raising, moving, or compressing liquids or gases

pump

verb

\ ˈpəmp

pumped; pumping

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

\ ˈpəmp