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hunkers

British  
/ ˈhʌŋkəz /

plural noun

  1. haunches

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of hunkers

C18: of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It was a seasonal population lowpoint for the species, which hunkers down in winter under rocks and vegetation.

From Los Angeles Times

An animal who hunkers down in a hotel room with you and helps you maintain the stability of your routine is no less devoted to you than one who eagerly accompanies you on your adventures.

From Salon

A small, scaly baby iguana— no bigger than a chocolate bar— hunkers down on a beach as a snake glides alongside him.

From Los Angeles Times

As Gates “hunkers down” on math, it will end its support for language arts, such as reading and writing, Hughes said.

From Seattle Times

He said the combination of waning immunity and the advent of new variants this winter, right as the population hunkers inside, “increases our risk of a major COVID-19 outbreak.”

From Washington Times