hunker
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for hunker, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To crouch or squat down close to the ground.
Synonyms
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 hunker
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Originally Scottish, of uncertain but likely Germanic origin, related to Old Norse huka, "to crouch."
Full origin of hunker →Frequently asked questions
What does “hunker” mean?
The word “hunker” means to crouch or squat down close to the ground. In plain terms, to crouch low, or to settle in and prepare to wait something out or focus hard on a task.
How do you pronounce “hunker”?
“Hunker” is pronounced HUHNG-kuh (/ˈhʌŋkɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “hunker” in a sentence?
Here is “hunker” used in a sentence: “They hunkered down behind the wall to avoid the wind.”
What part of speech is “hunker”?
“Hunker” is a verb.
Where does the word “hunker” come from?
The word “hunker” comes from Old Norse. Originally Scottish, of uncertain but likely Germanic origin, related to Old Norse huka, "to crouch.".
How many meanings does “hunker” have?
“Hunker” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to crouch or squat down close to the ground.