What does plop mean?
A plop is a brief, rounded sound associated with a small object dropping into water or another liquid. It can also name the action that produces the sound, as in “a plop into the pond.” The word is informal and vivid, often used in storytelling, descriptions of nature, or playful accounts of ordinary events. As a verb, plop means to fall or drop with this sound: a pebble plops into a stream, or a coin plops onto a table. Its appeal lies in making a brief, otherwise easily missed event noticeable and memorable. The word is related in sound to other short words such as drop, pop, and stop, but unlike those words it specifically suggests a soft or liquid impact rather than a general movement or sudden sound.
A short, rounded sound made when an object falls into water or another liquid.
"We heard a plop from the direction of the swimming pool."
Often used for a small object or a small quantity of liquid; informal and vivid.
To fall or drop with a short, rounded sound, especially into a liquid.
"The coin plopped into the cup and disappeared beneath the surface."
Usually describes a small object or a small quantity entering liquid; it can also be used more broadly for a similar soft impact.
Plural is used for individual sounds or instances of falling or dropping.
"Several plops came from the water as the fish fed."
One small stone can turn a quiet pond into a moment of sound: plop.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does plop come from?
The word is an imitative formation representing the sound of a small object falling into water. It developed in English during the 19th century and has no widely recognized separate root or close cognate in other languages. Its meaning and pronunciation are therefore closely tied to the sound it imitates.
Related word forms
How plop is actually used
The word is mainly informal and is especially common in descriptions of a small object falling into water or another liquid. As a verb, it can describe the sound or the movement itself.
Easily confused with plop
A plop is usually a short, rounded sound associated with something falling into water, while a plunk often suggests a heavier object striking a surface or producing a deeper, more deliberate sound.