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junk
1[ juhngk ]
/ dʒʌŋk /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
verb (used with object)
to cast aside as junk; discard as no longer of use; scrap.
adjective
cheap, worthless, unwanted, or trashy.
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Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
Origin of junk
1First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English jonk, junk “(in sailing) old rope or cable”; further origin uncertain
Words nearby junk
juniper, juniper berry, juniper oil, juniper tar, Junius, junk, junk art, junk bond, junk bonds, junk call, junk DNA
Other definitions for junk (2 of 3)
junk2
[ juhngk ]
/ dʒʌŋk /
noun
a seagoing ship with a traditional Chinese design and used primarily in Chinese waters, having square sails spread by battens, a high stern, and usually a flat bottom.
Origin of junk
2First recorded in 1545–55; from Portuguese junco, from Malay jong “large boat, ship,” possibly from dialectal Chinese (Xiamen) chûn; compare Guangdong (Cantonese) dialect syùhn, (Mandarin) Chinese chuán
Other definitions for junk (3 of 3)
junk3
[ juhngk ]
/ dʒʌŋk /
noun Slang.
narcotics, especially heroin.
the external genitals: I kicked him in the junk.
Origin of junk
3First recorded in 1920–25; perhaps special use of junk1
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use junk in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for junk (1 of 2)
junk1
/ (dʒʌŋk) /
noun
discarded or secondhand objects, etc, collectively
informal
- rubbish generally
- nonsensethe play was absolute junk
slang any narcotic drug, esp heroin
verb
(tr) informal to discard as junk; scrap
Word Origin for junk
C15 jonke old useless rope
British Dictionary definitions for junk (2 of 2)
junk2
/ (dʒʌŋk) /
noun
a sailing vessel used in Chinese waters and characterized by a very high poop, flat bottom, and square sails supported by battens
Word Origin for junk
C17: from Portuguese junco, from Javanese jon; related to Dutch jonk
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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