junkman

¹

[ juhngk-man ]

noun

, plural junk·men [juhngk, -men].

1. a dealer in resalable used metal, paper, rags, and other junk.

junkman

²

[ juhngk-muhn, -man ]

noun

, plural junk·men [juhngk, -m, uh, n, -men].

1. a member of the crew of a junk.

junkman

/ ˈdʒʌŋkˌmæn /

noun

1. a man who buys and sells discarded clothing, furniture, etc Also calledchiefly Britrag-and-bone man

Word History and Origins

Origin of junkman¹

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75; junk ¹ + man

Origin of junkman²

First recorded in 1860–65; junk ² + man

Example Sentences

The ordinary junkman may think of us as being only one step above the animals, but the leaders don't.

From Project Gutenberg

So the junkman gave it up, although he26 seemed very anxious to join the line of gay carriages which were rolling in.

From Project Gutenberg

Eventually you'll have civilized communities that won't be either 'grubber' or 'junkman.'

From Project Gutenberg

Costello, the junkman, could not be further ignored, for at this point he began another excitable harangue.

From Project Gutenberg

Agnes told the little ones nothing about the strange junkman and his claim.

From Project Gutenberg