chunk
chuhngk
Chunk (noun) means a thick, irregular piece or lump of something. Example: “She broke off a chunk of the chocolate bar.”
noun
1
A thick, irregular piece or lump of something.
"She broke off a chunk of the chocolate bar."
"A chunk of the cliff face crumbled into the sea."
2
A large or significant portion of something, such as time or money.
"Rent takes up a huge chunk of my salary."
"He spent a chunk of his afternoon stuck in traffic."
3
A discrete segment of data, such as part of a file or a stream, transferred or processed as one unit.
"The video loads in small chunks to reduce buffering."
verb
1
To break something into large pieces.
"Chunk the beef before adding it to the stew."
2
To throw something, especially carelessly.
"He chunked the ball across the yard."
How to use chunk
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA solid lump of something, or a sizeable share of a bigger whole.
Common pairings
a chunk of
a big chunk
chunk of change
break into chunks
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Word forms
- Plural
- chunks
- Third person singular
- chunks
- Past tense
- chunked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She broke off a _____ of the chocolate bar.
Etymology
Likely a variant of "chuck" or a diminutive form built on "chump" (in its "block" sense).
Related words
Rhymes for chunk
See all rhymes for chunk →Frequently asked questions
What does “chunk” mean?
The word “chunk” means a thick, irregular piece or lump of something. In plain terms, a solid lump of something, or a sizeable share of a bigger whole.
How do you pronounce “chunk”?
“Chunk” is pronounced chuhngk (/t͡ʃʌŋk/ in IPA).
How do you use “chunk” in a sentence?
Here is “chunk” used in a sentence: “She broke off a chunk of the chocolate bar.”
What part of speech is “chunk”?
Depending on how it is used, “chunk” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “chunk” a common word?
“Chunk” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “chunk” have?
“Chunk” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a thick, irregular piece or lump of something.
What is the difference between a "chunk" and a "piece" of something?
A chunk usually implies a thick, irregular lump, while a "piece" can refer to any portion regardless of shape or size, thick or thin. Chunk carries a stronger sense of solidity and bulk than the more neutral "piece."
What does "chunk" mean in computing or data transfer?
In computing, a chunk refers to a discrete segment of data, such as part of a file or a stream, that is transferred or processed as one unit rather than all at once. Breaking data into chunks lets large files be handled more efficiently.
What is the difference between "chunk" as a verb and "chuck"?
As a verb, "chunk" can mean to break something into large pieces or to throw something, often carelessly, while "chuck" specifically means to throw or toss something. The two overlap in the throwing sense, but "chunk" additionally covers breaking things apart.
Can "chunk" describe an amount of time or money?
Yes, "chunk" can describe a large or significant portion of something abstract, as in "a chunk of your afternoon" or "a chunk of your savings." This figurative use extends the physical idea of a lump to non-physical quantities.
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