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Definition of pumphandle

pumphandle

/ˈpʌmpˌhændəl/
pump · han · dle
Plural:pumphandles
•
Past Simple:pumphandled
•
Past Participle:pumphandled
•
Present Participle:pumphandling
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pumphandle Lexical Profile

pumphandle Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The lever or handle used to operate a manual pump, especially an old-fashioned water pump.

Example

"She gripped the cast-iron pumphandle and worked it up and down until cold water gushed into the bucket."

2

A vigorous, repetitive up-and-down handshake resembling the motion of operating a manual water pump.

Example

"The candidate greeted everyone at the rally with an enthusiastic pumphandle and a broad smile."

• verb

1

To shake someone's hand vigorously up and down, as if working a manual water pump.

Example

"My uncle eagerly pumphandled the new neighbor's hand at the block party."

• Nearby Words

pumped
pumper
pumpernickel
pumphandle
pumphouse
pumpkin
pumpkin seed

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pumphandle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pumphandle
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