noun
ilk
ihlk
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.”
noun
1
A type or category of people or things sharing similar characteristics, often used slightly dismissively.
"Politicians of that ilk rarely keep their promises."
"I want nothing to do with con artists and their ilk."
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."
When to use it
Mostly literary or slightly sneering in tone — rare in plain neutral writing.
Common pairings
of that ilk
and their ilk
people of his ilk
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Word forms
- Plural
- ilks
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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.".
