ilk
Ilk (noun) means a type or category of people or things sharing similar characteristics, often used slightly dismissively. Example: “Politicians of that ilk rarely keep their promises.”
How to use ilk
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA slightly old-fashioned way of saying "kind" or "sort," almost always used with "of that" or "and their."
Mostly literary or slightly sneering in tone — rare in plain neutral writing.
Word forms
ilks plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Politicians of that _____ rarely keep their promises.
Etymology
From Old English ilca, "same" — originally used in Scottish surnames to mean "of that same [place]," then broadened to mean "kind" or "sort."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for ilk
See all rhymes for ilk →Frequently asked questions
What does “ilk” mean?
The word “ilk” means a type or category of people or things sharing similar characteristics, often used slightly dismissively. In plain terms, a slightly old-fashioned way of saying "kind" or "sort," almost always used with "of that" or "and their.".
How do you pronounce “ilk”?
“Ilk” is pronounced ihlk (/ɪlk/ in IPA).
How do you use “ilk” in a sentence?
Here is “ilk” used in a sentence: “Politicians of that ilk rarely keep their promises.”
What part of speech is “ilk”?
“Ilk” is a noun.
Where does the word “ilk” come from?
The word “ilk” comes from Old English. From Old English ilca, "same" — originally used in Scottish surnames to mean "of that same [place]," then broadened to mean "kind" or "sort.".