verb
conk
kongk
Conk (verb) means to hit someone, especially on the head. Example: “He conked his brother on the head with a rolled-up newspaper.”
verb
1
To hit someone, especially on the head.
"He conked his brother on the head with a rolled-up newspaper."
"She stood up too fast and conked her head on the shelf."
2
To stop working or fail suddenly, especially a machine or engine.
"The old washing machine finally conked out after fifteen years."
"My laptop conked out halfway through the presentation."
noun
1
A hairstyle in which tightly curled hair is chemically straightened.
"Malcolm X famously described getting his first conk as a young man."
How to use conk
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishInformally, to hit someone (usually on the head), or for a machine to break down — "conk out" is the common phrase for the second meaning.
Common pairings
conk out
conk someone on the head
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Word forms
- Plural
- conks
- Third person singular
- conks
- Past tense
- conked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He _____ his brother on the head with a rolled-up newspaper.
Etymology
A 19th-century variant of "conch," the word for a large spiral seashell, used figuratively for the nose or head.
Class of 1800
conk joined the language around 1800.
See the full Class of 1800 →
Related words
Rhymes for conk
See all rhymes for conk →Frequently asked questions
What does “conk” mean?
The word “conk” means to hit someone, especially on the head. In plain terms, informally, to hit someone (usually on the head), or for a machine to break down — "conk out" is the common phrase for the second meaning.
How do you pronounce “conk”?
“Conk” is pronounced kongk (/kɑŋk/ in IPA).
How do you use “conk” in a sentence?
Here is “conk” used in a sentence: “He conked his brother on the head with a rolled-up newspaper.”
What part of speech is “conk”?
Depending on how it is used, “conk” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “conk” come from?
The word “conk” dates back to around 1800. A 19th-century variant of "conch," the word for a large spiral seashell, used figuratively for the nose or head.
How many meanings does “conk” have?
“Conk” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to hit someone, especially on the head.
