hunch

[ huhnch ]

verb (used with object)

1. to thrust out or up in a hump; arch:

   to hunch one's back.

2. to shove, push, or jostle.

verb (used without object)

1. to thrust oneself forward jerkily; lunge forward.
2. to stand, sit, or walk in a bent posture.

noun

1. a premonition or suspicion; guess:

   I have a hunch he'll run for reelection.

   Synonyms: conjecture, theory, feeling, surmise

2. a hump.
3. a push or shove.
4. a lump or thick piece.

hunch

/ hʌntʃ /

noun

1. an intuitive guess or feeling
2. another word for hump
3. a lump or large piece

verb

1. to bend or draw (oneself or a part of the body) up or together
2. intrusually foll byup to sit in a hunched position

Word History and Origins

Origin of hunch¹

1590–1600; 1900–05 hunch fordef 5; apparently variant of obsolete hinch to push, shove, kick < ?

Word History and Origins

Origin of hunch¹

C16: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Of course, this was just a hunch based on the information available to me.

From Science Magazine

Qvarnström and his colleagues had a hunch that dinosaurs’ diets might provide clues.

From Science Magazine

As his team hunched over computers eating takeaway pizza, he raged about the obstructionist behaviour of many of the other teams at the conference.

From BBC

If Johnson’s hunch is right, Grand Slam Track might prove to be the way athletes and promoters begin bringing that money — and the fans — back.

From Los Angeles Times

“I just have a hunch that she ain’t winning enough of them,” Robinson said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• inkling
• instinct
• intuition
• premonition