flump: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1 - Very LowInformal, colloquial, humorous, onomatopoeic
Quick answer
What does “flump” mean?
To fall or sit down heavily and with a soft, dull sound.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To fall or sit down heavily and with a soft, dull sound.
Can also refer to the sound itself or the action of placing something heavily. Used as a verb or noun (for the sound/action).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. The word is equally rare and understood in both varieties.
Connotations
Similar connotations of clumsiness or heaviness in both dialects.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, possibly slightly more recognized in UK due to its use in children's literature (e.g., 'The Flumps').
Grammar
How to Use “flump” in a Sentence
[Subject] flump (down) [Adverbial of place][Subject] flump [Object] onto/into [Location]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flump” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was so knackered he just flumped onto the settee.
- She flumped her school bag by the door.
American English
- After the marathon, I just flumped down on the couch.
- The kid flumped his stuffed bear into the toy box.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard)
American English
- (Not standard)
adjective
British English
- (Rarely used as adjective) The mattress had a flump quality to it.
American English
- (Rarely used as adjective) He let out a flump sigh as he sat.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Virtually never used.
Everyday
Very rare. Used for humorous or descriptive effect in informal speech, often about tired people or pets.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flump”
- Confusing with 'flunk' (to fail).
- Using in formal writing.
- Overusing due to its playful sound.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a genuine, though infrequent, word in English dictionaries. It is an onomatopoeic formation.
Yes, it can refer to the dull, soft sound itself (e.g., 'The book landed with a flump') or the act of flumping.
It is distinctly informal, colloquial, and often used for humorous or vivid descriptive effect. It is unsuitable for formal writing.
Both describe a sound of impact. 'Thud' suggests a drier, more solid sound (like a book). 'Flump' implies a softer, more muffled sound, often associated with something soft or a body collapsing onto a soft surface.
To fall or sit down heavily and with a soft, dull sound.
Flump: in British English it is pronounced /flʌmp/, and in American English it is pronounced /flʌmp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None standard. Possible creative use: 'to go flump' meaning to fail or collapse.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the sound a FUZZY LUMP makes when it falls: FLUMP!
Conceptual Metaphor
SOUND IS MOTION (the word for a sound describes the action causing it).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the typical use of 'flump'?