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

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."

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

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 notes

In 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

Word forms

conked past tense, conked past tense, conked past tense, conks plural, conks singular, conks singular, conks singular

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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.

· First attested 1800

Class of 1800 conk joined the language around 1800.

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Synonyms

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go die pass exit stall faint choke expire perish croak swoon decease

Related words

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Rhymes for conk

monk bonk honk plonk Kronk

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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.

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