Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Plop Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

💧
Add to dictionary

plop

[plÉ’p ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

sound effect

To plop is to fall or drop heavily, usually making a sound upon impact. This term is often used to describe objects that fall into water or soft surfaces, creating a distinctive sound. Additionally, it conveys a sense of suddenness in the action of dropping. The sound is typically irregular and is often associated with something wet or heavy.

Synonyms

drop, drop down, fall.

Examples of usage

  • The stone plopped into the pond.
  • She plopped down onto the couch.
  • The rain plopped against the window.
  • He plopped the groceries on the kitchen table.
Context #2 | Noun

sound effect

Plop is a noun used to describe the sound made when something falls into a liquid or soft surface. It represents both the action and the auditory signal that results from that action. The term can be applied to various scenarios where an object lands unexpectedly or heavily.

Synonyms

drop sound, splash, thud.

Examples of usage

  • I heard a loud plop in the water.
  • The plop of the fish breaking the surface was surprising.
  • There was a soft plop as the snow landed.
  • I love the splat and plop of rain on the roof.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Sound Effects in Media

  • The sound is frequently used in cartoons and children's shows to emphasize a funny or clumsy action, bringing humor to the scene.
  • In movies, sound designers create realistic 'plop' sounds by recording various objects dropping into water, enhancing audience engagement.

Psychology of Sound

  • Certain sounds, including 'plop', can trigger emotional responses, often related to surprise or amusement.
  • Research shows that onomatopoeic words can evoke vivid imagery and sensory experiences in listeners, making them more memorable.

Children's Literature

  • The word 'plop' is often featured in children's books, helping to engage young readers with sound, making stories more interactive.
  • Books about animals, like 'Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz,' use the sound to teach children about activities and actions in a fun way.

Environmental Science

  • In studies of water ecosystems, the sound of objects entering water can indicate disturbances, such as pollution or movement of wildlife.
  • Monitoring 'plop' sounds can provide insights into animal behavior, especially in aquatic habitats, showing how species respond to changes.

Origin of 'plop'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'plop' originated in the early 19th century, derived from the sound it represents.
  • Related words in other languages reflect the same sound, such as 'plouf' in French, showing similarities in onomatopoeia across cultures.

The word 'plop' is believed to have originated in the early 19th century, derived from imitative origins. The sound that is made when something heavy falls into a liquid or soft surface is the primary influence behind its formation. It resembles many other English words that are onomatopoeic, as they phonetically imitate the sounds they describe. It gradually became entrenched in conversational English and is often used in both formal and informal contexts. Contemporary usage reflects its adaptability, allowing it to function both as a verb and a noun. The term conveys vivid imagery and emotion, often used to evoke humorous or relaxed scenarios when describing drops or impacts.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,081 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.