Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Bunk Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🛏️
Add to dictionary

bunk

[bʌŋk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

school

A bed in a dormitory, typically one of two or more.

Synonyms

bed, berth, cot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
bunk

Often refers to a bed found in tight spaces like on ships, trains, or in dormitories, particularly those that are stacked one on top of the other.

  • I slept in the top bunk during our camping trip.
  • The sailors returned to their bunks after their shift.
bed

A general term for a piece of furniture for sleeping or resting, commonly found in bedrooms.

  • She lay down on her bed to read a book.
  • The hotel room had a king-sized bed.
berth

Used in the context of sleeping arrangements on boats or trains, typically a fixed bunk or Pullman-style bed.

  • He reserved a lower berth for the overnight train journey.
  • The yacht had two small berths in the cabin.
cot

A small, portable bed often used for babies or as temporary bedding in emergencies or camping.

  • The baby finally fell asleep in the cot.
  • They set up cots for the evacuees in the gymnasium.

Examples of usage

  • I slept on the top bunk in my college dormitory.
  • The kids argued over who would get the bottom bunk.
Context #2 | Noun

military

A temporary shelter.

Synonyms

hut, shack, shelter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
bunk

A built-in bed often found in dormitories, cabins, or on ships, usually in stackable form (bunk beds).

  • The kids were excited to sleep in the top bunk at summer camp.
  • The sailors took turns resting in the small, cramped bunks below deck.
shelter

A place that provides protection from weather or danger; can imply a temporary or emergency situation.

  • During the storm, they found shelter under a rock overhang.
  • The homeless man was grateful for the temporary shelter provided by the community center.
hut

A small, simple, single-story dwelling often made of natural materials like wood, mud, or grass; common in rural or undeveloped areas.

  • They constructed a bamboo hut to stay in during their jungle expedition.
  • The village was made up of several thatched huts.
shack

A small, basic, and often run-down building; implies poverty or neglect and has a negative connotation.

  • He lived alone in a rundown shack by the lake.
  • The old fishing shacks were nearly falling apart.

Examples of usage

  • The soldiers constructed a bunk out of branches and leaves.
  • Let's build a bunk for the night.
Context #3 | Verb

informal

To leave suddenly, especially to avoid a task or responsibility.

Synonyms

ditch, play hooky, skip.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
bunk

Can also mean a type of bed, especially those that are used in pairs one above the other.

  • She slept on the top bunk while her sister had the bottom bunk.
  • The cabin had three sets of bunk beds.
skip

A more general and neutral term for missing school, work, or an event. Can be used in both positive and negative situations.

  • She skipped the meeting to finish her project.
  • They often skip class on Fridays.
ditch

Commonly used to describe leaving someone or something behind abruptly, often with a negative connotation.

  • He ditched his friends to go to the party alone.
  • She decided to ditch her workout plans and stay home.
play hooky

Mostly used in American English to describe the act of skipping school or work, typically in a more casual or playful sense.

  • They decided to play hooky and spend the day at the beach.
  • Playing hooky from work today wasn’t the best idea.

Examples of usage

  • He decided to bunk off school and go to the beach instead.
  • She bunked off work early to go shopping.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In popular media, 'bunk' often features in comedic sketches or dialogues where characters dismiss foolish ideas humorously.
  • Television shows frequently use the term to label wild conspiracy theories or disbelief in exaggerated claims.

Psychology

  • When people encounter 'bunk,' it can trigger a critical thinking response, prompting them to assess the credibility of information.
  • Psychological studies show that people are more likely to label concepts as 'bunk' when they contradict strongly held beliefs.

Education

  • Teachers sometimes use the term in classroom discussions to encourage students to differentiate between facts and myths.
  • In academic contexts, 'bunk' can signal that a theory lacks empirical support, helping students learn to evaluate evidence.

Literature

  • The term appears in various literary works to mock characters who spout off ridiculous ideas, adding humor.
  • Writers often use 'bunk' to signify absurdity, illustrating the folly of characters caught in their fabrications.

Origin of 'bunk'

Main points about word origin

  • Originated in the early 19th century, 'bunk' comes from 'bunkum,' a term coined by a North Carolina politician's speech that people thought was nonsense.
  • Originally referred to a type of furniture in a shared bedroom, it evolved to describe ideas or talk that lacked substance.

The word 'bunk' originated in the 18th century as a noun referring to a bed or sleeping berth, especially in a ship's cabin. It later evolved to also mean a temporary shelter, commonly used in military contexts. The verb form of 'bunk' emerged in the 19th century, originally meaning to sleep in a bunk or berth. Over time, it took on the informal meaning of leaving suddenly or avoiding a responsibility. Today, 'bunk' is widely used in both literal and figurative contexts.

See also: debunk.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,536, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.