# plunger

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈplʌnd͡ʒə/ · frequency rank #32,126

## Definitions
1. A device that is used to remove blockages from the drain of a basin or tub, by suction.
2. The internal piece of a syringe that pushes out or pulls in any contents.
3. The sliding activator of an exploder, an electrical generator used to trigger electrical detonators such as blasting caps.
4. Certain equipment for brewing coffee.
5. Certain equipment for brewing coffee.
6. One who plunges; a diver.
7. A horse that plunges, or throws itself suddenly forward.
8. A cavalryman.
9. A device similar to a piston but without a mechanism; a long solid cylinder used, instead of a piston or bucket, as a forcer in pumps.
10. The moving portion of a solenoid.
11. The spring-loaded assembly that propels the ball onto the table.
12. A reckless gambler or gamble.
13. A boiler in which clay is beaten by a wheel to a creamy consistency.
14. The firing pin of a breechloader.

## Etymology
From plunge + -er.

## Easily confused with
- **punter** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/plunger-vs-punter)
- **pounder** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/plunger-vs-pounder)
- **plunges** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/plunger-vs-plunges)
- **plunge** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/plunge-vs-plunger)
- **planner** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/planner-vs-plunger)
- **plugged** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/plugged-vs-plunger)
- **plunged** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/plunged-vs-plunger)
- **plumber** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/plumber-vs-plunger)
- **planter** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/planter-vs-plunger)
- **plunder** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/plunder-vs-plunger)
- **Plummer** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/plummer-vs-plunger)

## Common misspellings (11)
`lpunger`, `pllunger`, `plnuger`, `plugner`, `plunegr`, `plungerr`, `plungger`, `plungre`, `plunnger`, `pplunger`, `pulnger`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/plunger