bunker
6 synonyms for bunker, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A reinforced underground shelter built to withstand bombing or attack.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use bunker
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
underground bunker
in the bunker
bunker fuel
Etymology
The earliest sense referred to a chest or box used as a seat, from Scots bunker, ultimately from Old Norse bunki ("a heap"); the "bomb shelter" sense was borrowed from German Bunker during World War II.
Full origin of bunker →Frequently asked questions
What does “bunker” mean?
The word “bunker” means a reinforced underground shelter built to withstand bombing or attack. In plain terms, an underground shelter built to survive attacks, or a sand trap on a golf course.
How do you pronounce “bunker”?
“Bunker” is pronounced BUHNG-kuh (/ˈbʌŋ.kɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “bunker” in a sentence?
Here is “bunker” used in a sentence: “The soldiers took cover in an underground bunker.”
What part of speech is “bunker”?
Depending on how it is used, “bunker” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “bunker” come from?
The word “bunker” comes from Old Norse. The earliest sense referred to a chest or box used as a seat, from Scots bunker, ultimately from Old Norse bunki ("a heap"); the "bomb shelter" sense was borrowed from German Bunker during World War II.
Is “bunker” a common word?
“Bunker” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “bunker” have?
“Bunker” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a reinforced underground shelter built to withstand bombing or attack.
What is the difference between a bunker and a trench?
A bunker is a reinforced underground shelter built to withstand bombing or attack, while a trench is a long, narrow ditch dug at ground level for cover and movement. Bunkers are typically enclosed structures offering more substantial protection.
What is a bunker in golf?
In golf, a bunker is a sand-filled hollow that serves as a hazard on the course, and hitting a ball into one is described using the verb "to bunker."
