plunk: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, chiefly North American.
Quick answer
What does “plunk” mean?
to put or drop something heavily or abruptly.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to put or drop something heavily or abruptly.
To play a stringed instrument, typically a banjo or guitar, by pulling and releasing the strings with the fingers, producing a hollow, twanging sound. Also, to sit down heavily and without ceremony.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Far more common in American English. In British English, 'plonk' is the more frequent equivalent for the core meaning of putting something down heavily.
Connotations
In American English, 'plunk' often conveys a sense of casual, decisive, or unceremonious action. In music, it has folksy, informal connotations.
Frequency
High frequency in American informal speech; low frequency in British English, where it may sound slightly American.
Grammar
How to Use “plunk” in a Sentence
[Someone] plunks [something] [somewhere].[Someone] plunks down [an amount] for [something].[Someone] plunks (away) on [an instrument].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “plunk” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He plonked (less commonly 'plunked') the groceries on the counter with a sigh.
- The child plunked the stone into the pond, creating concentric ripples.
American English
- She plunked her bag on the empty seat next to her.
- He plunked down fifty bucks for the concert tickets without hesitation.
adverb
British English
- Not standard. The adverbial form is 'plunk' as in 'fall plunk', but rare.
American English
- The ripe apple fell plunk onto the lawn from the tree.
adjective
British English
- Not standard. The adjective form is virtually unused.
American English
- Not standard. The adjective form is virtually unused.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May appear informally: 'He just plunked down a million for the startup.'
Academic
Very rare, except in descriptive prose or musicology.
Everyday
Common for describing casual actions and sounds.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “plunk”
- Using 'plunk' in formal writing.
- Confusing 'plunk' (AmE) with 'plonk' (BrE) in the wrong regional context.
- Overusing for any kind of putting down.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are synonyms for the core meaning of putting something down heavily, but 'plonk' is standard in British English, while 'plunk' is standard in American English. 'Plunk' also has a specific musical meaning that 'plonk' lacks.
No, 'plunk' is distinctly informal. Use more neutral verbs like 'place', 'deposit', or 'set' in formal contexts.
'Thud' is primarily the noun for the sound itself. 'Plunk' is primarily a verb describing the action that creates a similar sound, and it often implies a degree of intention or casualness ('plunk down money').
Not always, but the implication of a dull, abrupt sound is strongly connected to the action. The musical sense directly describes the production of a twanging sound.
to put or drop something heavily or abruptly.
Plunk: in British English it is pronounced /plʌŋk/, and in American English it is pronounced /plʌŋk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “plunk down (the cash)”
- “plunk for (someone/something) - to choose or support.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the sound a heavy coin makes when you PLUNK it into a piggy bank - a low, dull 'plunk'.
Conceptual Metaphor
FORCEFUL ACTION IS A HEAVY SOUND; CASUAL MUSIC IS A TWANGING SOUND.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'plunk' LEAST likely to be used?