plunk

[ pluhngk ]

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 by down ):

   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.

verb (used without object)

1. to give forth a twanging sound.
2. to drop heavily or suddenly; plump (often followed by down ):

   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

/ 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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of plunk¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of plunk¹

C20: imitative

Example Sentences

Sure, the universe of Americans willing to plunk down for an electric sports car is small.

From The Daily Beast

Cash flinched again, wavered, swallowed twice, and got up so abruptly that Lovin Child sat down again with a plunk.

From Project Gutenberg

He heard something hum past his head and plunk into the pilot house behind him.

From Project Gutenberg

He had lots of plunk; which accounted for Matey's choice of him as a friend among the juniors.

From Project Gutenberg

It came flying plunk out through the front window—and it stuck right into a tree like a dagger.

From Project Gutenberg

In some hidden spot outside the temple something went plunk.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• plop