Junk Definition

jŭngk
junked, junker, junking, junks
noun
junks
Old cable or rope used for making oakum, mats, etc.
Webster's New World
Old metal, glass, paper, rags, etc., parts of which may be salvageable for reuse.
Webster's New World
Articles that are worn-out or fit to be discarded.
Broken furniture and other junk in the attic.
American Heritage
Cheap or shoddy material.
American Heritage
Useless or worthless stuff; trash; rubbish.
Webster's New World
verb
junked, junking, junks
To throw away as worthless or get rid of by selling as junk; discard; scrap.
Webster's New World
adjective
Cheap, shoddy, or worthless.
Junk jewelry.
American Heritage
Having a superficial appeal or utility, but lacking substance.
American Heritage
Relating to or similar to junk bonds, especially in having a high risk of default.
Debt of junk status.
American Heritage

Other Word Forms of Junk

Noun

Singular:
junk
Plural:
junks

Origin of Junk

  • Portuguese junco or Dutch jonk both from Javanese djong variant of djung from Old Javanese jong seagoing ship

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • From Middle English junke (“old cable, rope”), probably from Old French jonc (“rush”), from Latin iuncus (“rush”).

    From Wiktionary

  • From Portuguese junco, from Javanese djong (Malay adjong).

    From Wiktionary

  • Middle English jonk an old cable or rope

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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