junta

American  

[hoon-tuh, juhn‑, huhn‑] / ˈhʊn tə, ˈdʒʌn‑, ˈhʌn‑ /

noun

1. a small group ruling a country, especially immediately after a coup d'état and before a legally constituted government has been instituted.

2. a council.

3. a deliberative or administrative council, especially in Spain and Latin America.

4. junto.

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junta British  

/ ˈdʒʊntə, ˈhʊntə, ˈdʒʌn- /

noun

1. a group of military officers holding the power in a country, esp after a coup d'état

2. Also called: junto.  a small group of men; cabal, faction, or clique

3. a legislative or executive council in some parts of Latin America

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junta Cultural  

1. A group of military leaders who govern a country after a coup d'état.

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Pronunciation

When the word junta was borrowed into English from Spanish in the early 17th century, its pronunciation was thoroughly Anglicized to . The 20th century has seen the emergence and, especially in North America, the gradual predominance of the pronunciation , derived from Spanish through reassociation with the word's Spanish origins. A hybrid form is also heard.

Etymology

Origin of junta

1615–25; < Spanish: a meeting, noun use of feminine of Latin junctus, past participle of jungere to join; see junction

Explanation

When a government is overthrown, the coalition or group that forms and takes control is called a junta. If the military has seized control, as so often happens, then the group is called a military junta. Junta is pronounced with an initial h sound, which gives you a clue to its origins. It’s from the Spanish junta, for a military or political group ruling the country after it has been taken over. Spanish got junta from the Latin jungere, to join. Remember, all the players in the junta must join together to overthrow the government.

Example Sentences

Those methods failed to protect Gen. Camara, one of the key backers in the junta for Russia’s intervention.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

In the western African country of Mali, an al Qaeda affiliate and its allies are threatening to topple the ruling military junta.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

On Wednesday, security, legal and family sources told AFP that several opposition figures and military personnel had been detained or abducted following the large-scale attacks on the junta.

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

Acknowledging the situation was "of extreme gravity", junta chief Assimi Goita, who had not been seen for three days, said in a speech on TV late Tuesday that the situation was "under control".

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

The central plateau was known for its pro-Aristide leanings, and the junta kept a close eye on places like Zanmi Lasante and troublemakers like Farmer and Père Lafontant.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

Related Words

• faction
• government