plunger

American  

[pluhn-jer] / ˈplʌn dʒər /

noun

1. Machinery. a pistonlike reciprocating part moving within the cylinder of a pump or hydraulic device.

2. Automotive. a pistonlike part in the valve of a pneumatic tire.

3. Also called plumber's helper.  Also called plumber's friend,.  Also called force cup.  a device consisting of a handle with a rubber suction cup at one end, used as a force pump to free clogged drains and toilet traps.

4. a person or thing that plunges.

5. a reckless bettor or speculator.

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plunger British  

/ ˈplʌndʒə /

noun

1. a rubber suction cup fixed to the end of a rod, used to clear blocked drains

2. a device or part of a machine that has a plunging or thrusting motion; piston

3. informal a reckless gambler

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Etymology

Origin of plunger

First recorded in 1605–15; plunge + -er ¹

Example Sentences

The plunger of the syringe attached to the needle would be pulled back and, hopefully, urine quickly accumulated.

From Slate • Jan. 29, 2025

After breaking the Dalek, the Doctor hands a plunger from his Tardis which marks the "origins of the iconic Dalek arm", the Doctor Who official Twitter page said.

From BBC • Nov. 17, 2023

There was a joke about a toilet plunger microphone that went by too fast.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 24, 2023

First, a silicone plunger forces the chest up and down, not only pushing blood out to the body, but drawing it back in to refill the heart.

From New York Times • Jun. 15, 2023

I notice, however, that Peter only pretends to inject himself—when he presses the plunger down, the fluid runs down his throat, and he wipes it casually with a sleeve.

From "Allegiant" by Veronica Roth

Related Words

• bettor
• bookie
• bookmaker