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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.

Shadow gingerly places one taloned foot, then the other, on Jackie as she hunkers down on the nest.

From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2026

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 • Mar. 5, 2024

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 • Jun. 28, 2022

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The name "Daunte Wright" is on full display across the Minneapolis area this week, as the community hunkers down once again for the beginning of the trial of ex-police officer Kim Potter.

From Fox News • Dec. 8, 2021

Everything in the desert hunkers toward the ground.

From "I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter" by Erika L. Sánchez

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