plonk

1 of 2

verb

ˈpläŋk How to pronounce plonk (audio)
ˈplȯŋk

variant of plunk

transitive verb

1
: to pluck or hit so as to produce a quick, hollow, metallic, or harsh sound
2
: to set down suddenly : plump

intransitive verb

1
: to make a plunking sound
2
: to drop abruptly : dive
3
: to come out in favor of someone or something : plump
used with for

plonk

2 of 2

noun

ˈpläŋk How to pronounce plonk (audio)
ˈplȯŋk
chiefly British
: cheap or inferior wine

Examples of plonk in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
For teams with an eye on Europe, having a huge match plonked in the middle of a two-legged tie is hardly ideal. Jessy Parker Humphreys, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025 Rather than plonk cargo or the kids behind the rider atop a rear rack, front loaders puts everything out front. Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 1 Oct. 2024
Noun
Many wine drinkers’ lone reference point for Beaujolais is the barely drinkable plonk that arrives on our shores around Thanksgiving every year. Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 12 May 2024 Even touches that border on cutesy, like a second shroom experiment that fails to bring back Older Elliott but instead plonks Chad into her childhood Justin Bieber obsession, are actually pretty hilarious. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Jan. 2024 See All Example Sentences for plonk

Word History

Etymology

Noun

short for earlier plink-plonk, perhaps modification of French vin blanc white wine

First Known Use

Noun

1933, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of plonk was in 1933

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Plonk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plonk. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

plonk

variant of plunk

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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