plunk

American  

[pluhngk] / plʌŋk /

verb (used with object)

1. to pluck (a stringed instrument or its strings); twang.

   to plunk a guitar.

2. to throw, push, put, drop, etc., heavily or suddenly; plump (often followed bydown ).

   Plunk down your money. She plunked herself down on the seat.

3. to push, shove, toss, etc. (sometimes followed by in, over, etc.).

   to plunk the ball over the net; to plunk a pencil into a drawer.

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verb (used without object)

1. to give forth a twanging sound.

2. to drop heavily or suddenly; plump (often followed bydown ).

   to plunk down somewhere and take a nap.

noun

1. act or sound of plunking.

2. Informal. a direct, forcible blow.

3. Slang. a dollar.

adverb

1. Informal. with a plunking sound.

2. Informal. squarely; exactly.

   The tennis ball landed plunk in the middle of the net.

plunk British  

/ plʌŋk /

verb

1. to pluck (the strings) of (a banjo, harp, etc) or (of such an instrument) to give forth a sound when plucked

2. (often foll by down) to drop or be dropped, esp heavily or suddenly

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noun

1. the act or sound of plunking

2. informal a hard blow

interjection

1. an exclamation imitative of the sound of something plunking

adverb

1. informal exactly; squarely

   plunk into his lap

Etymology

Origin of plunk

First recorded in 1760–70; expressive word akin to pluck

Explanation

To plunk is to abruptly drop an object (or yourself). Your daily routine, for example, might include rushing home after school so you can plunk yourself on the couch to play video games. There are various ways to plunk: A waiter might plunk your hamburger on the table, and you could choose to plunk down a buck as a tip. You can also plunk the string of a guitar or other instrument, by plucking it casually or inexpressively: "I don't really know how to play the ukulele — I just like to plunk the strings." This last meaning is the original one, from an imitation of the sound of a plunk.

Example Sentences

Plunk is joined by receiver Wayne Ruby and linebacker Rossy Moore on the first team.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 15, 2022

In the 1966 “Pink Panther” cartoon short “Pink, Plunk, Plink,” the limber leopard tries his hand at conducting onstage at the Hollywood Bowl.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 2, 2018

Plunk down your newfound cash on a Free Willy-style adventure.

From Time • Jan. 13, 2016

Karen Plunk with Lone Star Auctioneers says in a release from Perdue’s office that the coin is the most famous Lincoln penny that can still be found.

From Washington Times • May 26, 2015

Before long, he was offering me unwanted advice on how to gain my beloved, Dorothy Plunk.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam

Related Words

• plop