noun
wonk
Wonk (noun) means (informal) Someone, often a student, who studies far more than most.
noun
1
(informal) Someone, often a student, who studies far more than most.
"Previously, e-reading had been the domain of early adopters and new technology wonks."
— Catherine Sheldrick Ross, Pleasures of Reading (2014)
2
(informal) An expert who is deeply interested in the details of a particular subject.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like wonk.
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
Etymology
American English student slang 1954; perhaps navy slang before that. "Expert" sense popularized in the Clinton administration, 1993. Origin uncertain, possibly from wonky (“shaky, unreliable”) or wank, wanker or simply expressive.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for wonk
See all rhymes for wonk →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of wonk?
"wonk" (noun) means (informal) Someone, often a student, who studies far more than most.
What is another word for wonk?
Other words for "wonk" include grind, dweeb, swot, nerd.
What are the different meanings of wonk?
"wonk" has 2 main meanings: 1. (informal) Someone, often a student, who studies far more than most; 2. (informal) An expert who is deeply interested in the details of a particular subject.
