noun Uncommon

junkie

JUHNG-kee

Junkie (noun) means someone addicted to a drug, especially heroin. Example: “The clinic treats junkies trying to get clean.”

noun

Someone addicted to a drug, especially heroin.

"The clinic treats junkies trying to get clean."

Informally, someone with a strong, almost obsessive enthusiasm for something.

"She's a total news junkie, checking headlines every hour."

"He's an adrenaline junkie who loves extreme sports."

How to use junkie

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA drug addict, or informally, anyone hooked on something they can't get enough of.

When to use it

The drug-addiction sense can sound harsh or stigmatising; the "enthusiast" sense (news junkie, adrenaline junkie) is casual and generally not offensive.

Common pairings

heroin junkie adrenaline junkie news junkie

Word forms

junkies plural

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The clinic treats _____ trying to get clean.

Etymology

Formed from junk (in its drug sense) plus the informal suffix -ie.

Synonyms

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freak nut addict junky drug addict

Related words

fan lucky en strange upset monster insane freak

Rhymes for junkie

pie die lie tie sie vie hie i.e. brie movie eerie moxie

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Frequently asked questions

What does “junkie” mean?

The word “junkie” means someone addicted to a drug, especially heroin. In plain terms, a drug addict, or informally, anyone hooked on something they can't get enough of.

How do you pronounce “junkie”?

“Junkie” is pronounced JUHNG-kee (/ˈd͡ʒʌŋki/ in IPA).

How do you use “junkie” in a sentence?

Here is “junkie” used in a sentence: “The clinic treats junkies trying to get clean.”

What part of speech is “junkie”?

“Junkie” is a noun.

Is “junkie” a common word?

“Junkie” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “junkie” have?

“Junkie” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone addicted to a drug, especially heroin.

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