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
Oliver Darcy, CNN, 20 June 2024
Levy could be seen wearing a black velvet gown with a plunging neckline.
—Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 20 June 2024
Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2024
In addition, the sprawling flybridge features a plunge pool and bar.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for plunge 
Verb
Inside The Post’s newsroom, morale has plunged as staffers express alarm over Lewis’ conduct and worries over the future direction of the newspaper under his leadership.
—Oliver Darcy, CNN, 20 June 2024
Levy could be seen wearing a black velvet gown with a plunging neckline.
—Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 20 June 2024
Noun
The eclectic yet chic adults-only resort offered something different, with its funky design, glamorous infinity rooftop pools, and suites featuring individual plunge pools.
—Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2024
In addition, the sprawling flybridge features a plunge pool and bar.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for plunge
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'plunge.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near plunge
Cite this Entry
“Plunge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plunge. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.
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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