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
1
Someone addicted to a drug, especially heroin.
"The clinic treats junkies trying to get clean."
2
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- junkies
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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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Rhymes for junkie
See all rhymes for junkie →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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