plunged; plunging
1
: to cause to penetrate or enter quickly and forcibly into something
plunged the dagger
2
: to cause to enter a state or course of action usually suddenly, unexpectedly, or violently
plunged the nation into economic depression
1
: to thrust or cast oneself into or as if into water
2
a
: to become pitched or thrown headlong or violently forward and downward
also
: to move oneself in such a manner
plunged off the embankment
b
: to act with reckless haste : enter suddenly or unexpectedly
plunges into project after project
c
: to bet or gamble heavily and recklessly
3
: to descend or dip suddenly
the stock's value plunged
Examples of plunge in a Sentence
Verb
Her car plunged off a bridge.
The stock market plunged yesterday.
The President's approval rating has plunged to 20 percent.
The moose population has plunged in recent years.
The rocky cliffs plunge into the swirling rapids below.
The road plunges down the mountain.
Noun
Amazingly, the cat survived its plunge from the building's roof.
Market analysts predicted a price plunge.
The store experienced a sharp plunge in sales.
Recent Examples on the Web
Catherine Santino, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025
From JLo debuting her now iconic and internet-breaking plunging Versace gown in 2000 (which led to the creation of Google Images) to pop princess Miley Cyrus channeling Barbarella at last year’s carpet, the looks are always serving.
—Katherine Singh, refinery29.com, 3 Feb. 2025
Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 4 Feb. 2025
Just outside, my large wraparound porch had an outdoor shower, comfortable lounge area, dining table and chairs, and a refreshing plunge pool, all overlooking the incredible mountain and valley vistas.
—Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for plunge 
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Verb
Just before his performance, audience members Heidi Klum and Nikki Glaser ripped off his suit and tie to reveal a skin-tight blue jumpsuit with a plunging neckline.
—Catherine Santino, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025
From JLo debuting her now iconic and internet-breaking plunging Versace gown in 2000 (which led to the creation of Google Images) to pop princess Miley Cyrus channeling Barbarella at last year’s carpet, the looks are always serving.
—Katherine Singh, refinery29.com, 3 Feb. 2025
Noun
Additional amenities can be found outdoors on the sloping grounds, where a sparkling plunge pool is the ideal spot to cool off and several lounge areas are warmed by cozy fire pits.
—Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 4 Feb. 2025
Just outside, my large wraparound porch had an outdoor shower, comfortable lounge area, dining table and chairs, and a refreshing plunge pool, all overlooking the incredible mountain and valley vistas.
—Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for plunge
Dictionary Entries Near plunge
Cite this Entry
“Plunge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plunge. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
plunge
1 of 2 verb
plunged; plunging
1
: to push or drive into something with force
plunged a knife into the pie
2
: to leap or dive into water
3
a
: to rush with reckless haste
plunged into debt
b
: to bring into an unpleasant state
plunged the family into gloom
4
: to dip or move suddenly downward or forward and downward
the road plunges along the slope
plunge
2 of 2 noun
: a sudden dive, leap, or rush
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