What does plunk mean?
Plunk is an informal verb and noun best known for two connected uses. When something is dropped, struck, or placed down firmly, it may plunk, making a short, hollow, often metallic sound. The word can also mean to put or drop something down with abrupt force: she plunked the package on the table. As a noun, a plunk is the resulting sound, as in the plunk of heavy rain against a roof. In informal North American English, plunk also means "entirely" or "exactly," especially in the expression "plunk down," meaning to pay the full amount. The word can function as an emphatic interjection as well. Its compactness and vivid sound make it particularly useful in descriptive writing, dialogue, and informal narration.
To produce a short, hollow or metallic sound, or to put, drop, or place something down forcefully.
"He plunked the old tin kettle onto the stove."
Commonly transitive when describing the forceful placement of an object, though it can also stand alone for the sound.
A short, hollow or metallic sound produced by an impact or by placing or dropping something.
"With a final plunk, the lid settled into place."
Also used figuratively for the sound of raindrops striking a surface.
Complete or exactly, especially in informal phrases expressing a payment or a position.
"She paid the balance plunk."
Chiefly informal North American English and most often encountered in "plunk down."
An exclamation used to imitate a hollow impact or to emphasize an abrupt action or realization.
""Plunk!" The coin landed in the slot."
Uncommon in formal writing and most natural in dialogue or narrative description.
From a splashy drop to a down payment, one four-letter sound carries both a noise and an emphatic meaning.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does plunk come from?
The word originated as an imitative expression for a short, hollow sound, comparable to the similarly formed "clunk" and "plump." It was established in the 19th century, initially especially in the United States. Its later meaning of placing or dropping something forcefully developed from the idea of causing that characteristic sound. The informal sense "completely" appears in the 20th century, especially in the expression "plunk down."
Related word forms
How plunk is actually used
The sound-related uses are informal but widely understood, especially in North American English. The meaning "completely" is strongly informal and commonly appears in the phrase "plunk down." As an interjection, the word is uncommon in formal writing.
Easily confused with plunk
A plunk is a hollow sound or a forceful placing of something, whereas a plank is a long, flat piece of wood.
Both words can describe a dull metallic impact, but a clunk is often heavier and more resonant, while a plunk is typically more abrupt and hollow.