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Synonyms

pumping

American  
[puhm-ping] / ˈpʌm pɪŋ /

noun

  1. the act or process of pumping or the action of a pump.

  2. Meteorology. rapid change in the height of the column in a mercury barometer, resulting from fluctuations in the surrounding air pressure.

Etymology

Origin of pumping

First recorded in 1590–1600; pump 1 + -ing 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Fuel rationing has shortened queues, but on Thursday, the government began limiting water supply hours to conserve reserves and save pumping costs.

From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026

In a statement, they said Russia has been "pumping out malicious and completely baseless accusations about their work".

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

A sprawling industrial complex sitting just off Australia's western coast, the Gorgon plant is capable of pumping out more than 15 million metric tonnes of gas each year.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

But catalytic devices worked only with unleaded gas, and America’s gas stations were still pumping fuel with hyped names like “super ethyl.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

By the time I got out onto the floor, there was so much extra adrenaline pumping through me that I overpowered a couple of my skills.

From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.