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Dunk Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dunk

[dĘŒÅ‹k ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in basketball

To score by putting the ball through the basket from above

Synonyms

jam, slam dunk.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dunk

This term is often used in basketball to describe the action of jumping and thrusting the ball downwards into the basket. It's also used outside sports to mean dipping something quickly into a liquid.

  • He made an incredible dunk during the last quarter of the game.
  • I like to dunk my cookies in milk.
slam dunk

A specific term in basketball describing a forceful and impressive way of scoring by slamming the ball through the hoop. It's also used metaphorically to describe something that's a sure success or easy task.

  • He finished the play with a stunning slam dunk.
  • This new proposal is a slam dunk for the company.
jam

In basketball, this word describes a powerful dunk similar to a 'slam dunk'. Outside sports, 'jam' is used to mean a situation where something is stuck or blocked. It can also refer to a type of fruit preserve or an improvised musical session.

  • He scored with a powerful jam in the final seconds.
  • There's a traffic jam on the highway.
  • She spread jam on her toast.
  • The band had a late-night jam session.

Examples of usage

  • He dunked the ball with authority
  • She dunked over the defender for an impressive two points
Context #2 | Verb

in food

To dip or submerge food quickly into a liquid

Synonyms

dip, submerge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dunk

Used when immersing something quickly into a liquid, particularly for a short period of time. Often associated with food, such as dipping a cookie into milk.

  • She likes to dunk her donuts in coffee
  • He dunked the basketball during the game
dip

Used for a brief immersion into a liquid. Commonly used in the context of dipping food but can also refer to a small reduction or movement.

  • Dip your fries in ketchup
  • The stock market took a slight dip yesterday
submerge

Used when something is completely covered in liquid, often for a longer period of time. This term is more technical and can describe anything from submerging objects in water to submerging oneself underwater.

  • The submarine can submerge for hours
  • Please submerge the vegetables in boiling water to blanch them

Examples of usage

  • She dunked her cookie in the milk before eating it
  • He dunked the bread in the soup for added flavor

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Sports

  • A 'slam dunk' is a move in basketball where a player jumps and scores by putting the ball directly through the hoop.
  • Some of the most famous dunkers in basketball history have included players like Michael Jordan and Vince Carter, known for their impressive aerial acrobatics.
  • Dunk contests are now a staple during basketball All-Star weekends, showcasing athletes' creativity and skill.

Pop Culture

  • The term gained widespread popularity with the rise of basketball, especially in the 1980s and 1990s, becoming a part of music and movie references.
  • Movie scenes featuring basketball often highlight dramatic dunks, such as in 'Space Jam' where characters perform wild dunks.
  • Various brands have played with the term, leading to campaigns like 'Dunkin' Donuts', cleverly linking coffee with the act of dunking.

Food & Drink

  • Dunking cookies in milk is a popular snack activity, with classic cookies like Oreos designed specifically for it.
  • The French have a version called 'trempage', where they dunk their pastries into hot chocolate.
  • In Asian cultures, dunking is common with dishes like hot pot, where diners dip raw ingredients into boiling broth.

Origin of 'dunk'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'dunk' originated in the early 17th century and comes from the Dutch word 'dunken', meaning to dip.
  • It was used to describe the action of dipping food into a drink before being popularized in sports.
  • The term became associated with basketball in the 20th century when players started to perform high jumps to score.

The origin of the word 'dunk' in basketball dates back to the 1930s when it was used to describe a player scoring by putting the ball through the basket from above. In food, the term 'dunk' has been used to describe quickly dipping or submerging food into a liquid for added flavor since the late 19th century.

See also: dunking.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,126 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.