pump

A machine that moves water from one place to another.

• The pump moves water uphill.
• We installed a pump beside the well.
• These pumps keep the basement dry.

Common phrases: water pump, electric pump, pump handle

A machine that supplies fuel or another liquid, usually when you buy it.

• Park beside the pump.
• Two pumps at the station were broken.
• He filled his tank at the diesel pump.

Similar words: dispenser

Common phrases: petrol pump, gas pump, fuel pump

One push or movement that makes a machine work or moves something in a similar way.

• One pump releases enough soap.
• Three pumps of the handle filled the cup.
• Give the lever another pump.

Similar words: stroke

Common phrases: one pump, single pump, pump of soap

A ride given to someone sitting on another person’s bicycle.

• She gave me a pump home.
• I got a pump on his bicycle.
• They took turns giving each other pumps to school.

Similar words: lift, ride

Common phrases: give someone a pump, pump home

To move water or another liquid using a machine.

• The heart pumps blood.
• They pumped water from the lake.
• Can this machine pump oil through the pipe?

How to use it: pump something into something (The machine pumps water into the tank.); pump something out of something (They pumped water out of the basement.)

Common phrases: pump water, pump oil, pump something out

To fill something with air using a machine or hand tool.

• Please pump up the ball.
• He pumped up both bicycle tyres.
• Have you pumped up the air mattress?

How to use it: pump something up (I pumped the ball up before the game.)

Similar words: inflate

Opposites: deflate

Common phrases: pump something up, pump up tyres

To move a body part or object back and forth or up and down repeatedly.

• He pumped his fist in excitement.
• Pump your legs to make the swing go higher.
• Her arms pumped as she ran uphill.

Common phrases: pump your fist, pump your arms