Bunk: meaning, definitions and examples

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bunk

 

[ bʌŋk ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

school

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

Synonyms

bed, berth, cot

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

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

Examples of usage

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

Translations

Translations of the word "bunk" in other languages:

🇵🇹 beliche

🇮🇳 पलंग

🇩🇪 Etagenbett

🇮🇩 ranjang susun

🇺🇦 двоярусне ліжко

🇵🇱 łóżko piętrowe

🇯🇵 二段ベッド

🇫🇷 lit superposé

🇪🇸 litera

🇹🇷 ranza

🇰🇷 이층 침대

🇸🇦 سرير بطابقين

🇨🇿 patrová postel

🇸🇰 poschodová posteľ

🇨🇳 双层床

🇸🇮 pograd

🇮🇸 koja

🇰🇿 екі қабатты кереует

🇬🇪 ორადგილიანი საწოლი

🇦🇿 iki mərtəbəli çarpayı

🇲🇽 litera

Etymology

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.