plunger

noun

plung·​er ˈplən-jər How to pronounce plunger (audio)
: one that plunges: such as
a
: diver
b
: a reckless gambler or speculator
c(1)
: a sliding reciprocating piece driven by or against fluid pressure
especially : piston
(2)
: a piece with a motion like that of a ram or piston
d
: a rubber suction cup on a handle used to free plumbing traps and waste outlets of obstructions

Examples of plunger in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This year's plungers braved relatively tame temperatures compared to many previous years, and many enjoyed time with friends and family in tents and at bonfires on the beach before and after the plunge. Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2024 The 5-year-old looked nervously at her older brothers, scanning their faces for any sign of distress as needles were swiftly stuck into their upper arms, the syringe plungers pushed in and the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine administered. Megan Specia, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2024 One with just a little bit of humor about toilet plungers. Washington Post, 1 Feb. 2024 The plungers are powered by an output shaft on the engine or from a motor. Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 21 Feb. 2023 The final fencing match is fought with plungers. Hamlet|Toilet. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 17 Jan. 2024 Remove the drain screen and give it a good cleaning and, if necessary, use a plunger or plumber’s snake to clear the drain. Washington Post, 10 Jan. 2024 Remove the plunger after several thrusts to see if the water starts draining. Perri Ormont Blumberg, Southern Living, 2 Dec. 2023 Also on Monday morning, hundreds of swimmers braved chilly water at the annual Penguin Plunge in Del Mar. This year’s group of plungers in La Jolla was a mix of wide-eyed first-timers filled with fear, and grizzled veterans calmly taking in the sights and sounds of the familiar once-a-year ritual. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'plunger.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of plunger was in 1611

Dictionary Entries Near plunger

Cite this Entry

“Plunger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plunger. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

plunger

noun
plung·​er ˈplən-jər How to pronounce plunger (audio)
: one that plunges: as
a
: a device (as a piston in a pump) that acts with a plunging motion
b
: a rubber suction cup on a handle used to free plumbing traps and waste outlets of something blocking them

More from Merriam-Webster on plunger

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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