Junk Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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junk

[dĘ’ĘŒÅ‹k ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

waste material

Junk refers to waste material or rubbish that is no longer needed or wanted. It can include items such as old furniture, broken appliances, or discarded items. Junk is often disposed of in landfills or recycling centers.

Synonyms

debris, garbage, trash.

Examples of usage

  • Please take out the junk from the garage.
  • She collects junk to repurpose into art.
  • The city organized a junk removal day for residents to dispose of unwanted items.
Context #2 | Noun

old, useless objects

Junk can also refer to old, useless objects that are kept around but serve no practical purpose. These items may hold sentimental value or simply be kept out of habit.

Synonyms

clutter, knickknacks, rubbish.

Examples of usage

  • My grandfather's garage is full of old junk from his youth.
  • She has a collection of junk that she refuses to part with.
  • I need to clean out the junk from my closet.
Context #3 | Verb

discard as trash

To junk something means to discard it as trash or to get rid of it because it is no longer useful. It can involve throwing away or recycling items that are no longer needed.

Synonyms

discard, dispose of, trash.

Examples of usage

  • We decided to junk the old computer and buy a new one.
  • They junked all the broken appliances in the garage.
  • The company junked the outdated inventory to make space for new products.

Translations

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

Origin of 'junk'

The word 'junk' originated in the mid-16th century, possibly from Old French 'jongleur' meaning 'rope dancer' or 'juggler'. Over time, the term evolved to refer to old or discarded items, eventually becoming synonymous with waste material. Today, 'junk' is commonly used to describe both physical objects and unwanted material.


See also: junkie, junky.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,323, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.