1 B2 informal
To sit down suddenly and heavily
"After the long hike, she plumped down on the first bench she saw and refused to move."
plump down
B2 informal separable transitive/intransitive
To sit or place something down suddenly and heavily
In plain English
To drop yourself or something onto a surface heavily and all at once
What does "plump down" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 informal
To put or drop something down suddenly and heavily in a place
"He plumped his briefcase down on the table and announced he was quitting."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To place something plump (rounded and soft) in a downward direction
Actually means
To drop yourself or something onto a surface heavily and all at once
Usage tip
Often used with a humorous or affectionate tone. When used intransitively ('she plumped down'), it refers to a person sitting suddenly. When transitive ('she plumped the bag down'), it describes placing something heavy suddenly. Common in British informal English.
Words that pair with "plump down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
sofa chair cushion bag armchair lap
How to conjugate "plump down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
plump down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
plumps down
he/she/it
Past simple
plumped down
yesterday
Past participle
plumped down
have + pp
-ing form
plumping down
continuous
Hear "plump down" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "plump down" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.