junk food

American  

noun

1. food, as potato chips or candy, that is high in calories but of little nutritional value.

2. anything that is attractive and diverting but of negligible substance.

   the junk food offered by daytime television.

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junk food British  

noun

1. food that is low in nutritional value, often highly processed or ready-prepared, and eaten instead of or in addition to well-balanced meals

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junk food Idioms  

1. Prepackaged snack food that is high in calories but low in nutritional value; also, anything attractive but negligible in value. For example, Nell loves potato chips and other junk food, or When I'm sick in bed I often resort to TV soap operas and similar junk food. [c. 1970]

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Other Word Forms

• junk-food adjective

Etymology

Origin of junk food

An Americanism dating back to 1970–75

Example Sentences

"This bar is actually an opportunity for me," 26-year-old Zhao told AFP, describing her "typical young person" lifestyle of late nights and junk food.

From Barron's

Sometimes Dad would take me and Andre to Navy Pier so we could ride the Ferris wheel, eat junk food, and watch tourists all day.

From Literature

They get some of their food from the farm and have eliminated as much junk food as possible to reduce their grocery bill.

From The Wall Street Journal

Health screenings, weight-loss meds and better-for-you beverages will take center stage in Super Bowl commercials Sunday, commanding a spotlight once dominated by beer and junk food.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mom and Boo and I like to roll down the windows, blare Rihanna, and eat junk food.

From Literature