pump
9 ENTRIES FOUND:
plural
pumps
plural
pumps
Britannica Dictionary definition of PUMP
[count]
1
:
a device that forces liquid, air, or gas into or out of something
—
see picture at bicycle
-
an air pump
-
a water pump
-
a foot/hand pump [=a pump that you operate by using your foot/hand]
-
a bicycle pump [=a small pump used for putting air in bicycle tires]
-
(US) a gas pump = (Brit) a petrol pump
2
:
the act of pumping something
-
Three more pumps and the tire should be full enough.
at the pump
US, informal also at the pumps
:
at the places where customers buy gasoline for their cars
-
Prices are higher at the pump. [=gas prices are higher]
-
Expect long lines at the pumps this weekend. [=expect long lines at gas stations this weekend]
prime the pump
2
pump
/ˈpʌmp/
verb
pumps;
pumped;
pumping
2
pump
/ˈpʌmp/
verb
pumps;
pumped;
pumping
Britannica Dictionary definition of PUMP
1
a
:
to move something (such as water, air, or gas) to or from a particular place with a pump
— often used figuratively
[+ object]
-
He pumped the water up from the bottom of the boat.
-
The President hoped the tax cuts would help pump money back into the economy.
-
She pumped all of her resources into starting her own business.
[no object]
-
The machine suddenly stopped pumping.
b
[+ object]
:
to remove water, air, etc., from (something) with a pump
-
We pumped the boat dry.
-
We had to pump the basement out.
c
[+ object]
:
to remove the contents of (someone's stomach) by using a tube and a small pump
-
Doctors had to pump (out) her stomach after she swallowed poison.
2
of the heart
:
to move (blood) through your body by beating
[+ object]
-
Your heart pumps blood all over your body.
[no object]
-
My heart started pumping [=beating] fast.
3
always followed by an adverb or preposition,
[no object]
of a liquid
:
to flow in a series of movements caused by the action of a pump, by the beating of your heart, etc.
-
I could feel the blood pumping through my veins.
-
Blood pumped out of the cut.
4
:
to move (something) up and down or in and out quickly and repeatedly
[+ object]
-
He pumped his arms up and down as he ran.
-
She pumped the handle of the well.
-
pump the brake pedal
[no object]
-
His leg nervously pumped up and down under the table.
5
[+ object]
informal
:
to question (someone) again and again to try to find out information
— often + for
-
The detective pumped them for information on the murder.
pump iron
informal
:
to lift weights in order to make your muscles stronger
-
I'm going to the gym to pump some iron.
pump out
[phrasal verb]
pump out (something)
or
pump (something) out
informal
:
to produce (something) quickly and frequently
-
The author pumps out a book every year.
pump (someone or something) full of (something)
:
to fill (someone or something) with (something) by using a pump
— often used figuratively
-
They pumped the balloon full of helium.
-
He pulled out a gun and threatened to pump them full of bullets/lead. [=threatened to shoot them]
-
She was pumped full of antibiotics/caffeine.
pump up
[phrasal verb]
1
pump (something) up
or
pump up (something)
:
to fill (something, such as a tire) with air by using a pump
:
inflate
-
I'll be ready to go for a bike ride after I pump up my tires.
2
pump (something) up
or
pump up (something)
informal
:
to increase the amount, size, or value of (something)
-
The company is trying hard to pump up sales.
-
All of the praise pumped up her ego.
3
pump (someone) up
or
pump up (someone)
:
to fill (someone) with excitement or enthusiasm
-
The coach made a speech to try and pump up his players.
-
The team was (all) pumped up for the game.
3
pump
/ˈpʌmp/
noun
plural
pumps
3
pump
/ˈpʌmp/
noun
plural
pumps
Britannica Dictionary definition of PUMP
[count]
1
US
:
a woman's dress shoe with a high heel
— usually plural
-
She wore black leather pumps with her suit.
— called also
(British)
court shoe
2
British
:
a light, soft shoe that is worn for dancing or exercise
