noun
gunk
guhngk
Gunk (noun) means any sticky, dirty, or unidentifiable substance. Example: “There was a layer of gunk stuck to the bottom of the pan.”
noun
1
Any sticky, dirty, or unidentifiable substance.
"There was a layer of gunk stuck to the bottom of the pan."
"He wiped the gunk off his shoes after the hike."
verb
1
To make dirty or clog with a sticky substance.
"Old oil had gunked up the engine."
How to use gunk
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA vague, informal word for grime or a messy, sticky substance.
When to use it
Casual and informal — used in everyday speech, not technical writing.
Common pairings
gunk up
sticky gunk
layer of gunk
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like gunk.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- gunks
- Third person singular
- gunks
- Past tense
- gunked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
There was a layer of _____ stuck to the bottom of the pan.
Etymology
Originally from Gunk, a trademarked name for a liquid soap product, likely blending "grime" and "funk".
Related words
Rhymes for gunk
See all rhymes for gunk →Frequently asked questions
What does “gunk” mean?
The word “gunk” means any sticky, dirty, or unidentifiable substance. In plain terms, a vague, informal word for grime or a messy, sticky substance.
How do you pronounce “gunk”?
“Gunk” is pronounced guhngk (/ɡʌŋk/ in IPA).
How do you use “gunk” in a sentence?
Here is “gunk” used in a sentence: “There was a layer of gunk stuck to the bottom of the pan.”
What part of speech is “gunk”?
Depending on how it is used, “gunk” can be a noun and a verb.
How many meanings does “gunk” have?
“Gunk” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: any sticky, dirty, or unidentifiable substance.
