DictionaryplunkShort, dull sound
noun / verb

plunk

A short, dull sound produced by striking, dropping, or plucking something.

The first stone lands in the bucket with a dull plunk.

Etymology

Plunk imitates a short, dull impact or twanging sound. It can name the noise of something dropped, struck, or briefly plucked.

More examples

  • She plunks a few low notes on the piano.
  • A loose guitar string gives a muted plunk.
  • We hear two plunks as the walnuts hit the wooden bowl.

Forms

plunk · plunks · plunked · plunking

Similar words

thud
Suggests a heavier, deeper sound from a solid impact.
twang
Emphasizes a ringing vibration rather than a dull sound.
plop
Often suggests something dropping into liquid or something soft.