gunk

noun

ˈgəŋk How to pronounce gunk (audio)
Synonyms of gunknext
: filthy, sticky, or greasy matter
gunky
ˈgəŋ-kē How to pronounce gunk (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of gunk

Relevance
See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of gunk in a Sentence

The engine was all full of gunk. I need to wipe this gunk off my hands.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
It’s also packed with a slew of cleansing agents that are known for effectively sloughing away gunk while being gentle enough not to damage the skin barrier. — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026 The microwave filter is crucial for protecting your microwave’s internal parts from gunk getting stuck or the fans from overheating. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 25 Aug. 2026 Those ions keep fast-growing gunk at bay and stems slime free. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2026 If the nozzle is clogged, Murahwa suggests using a toothpick to gently pick out whatever gunk is clogging it. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gunk

Word History

Etymology

from Gunk, trademark for a cleaning solvent

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gunk was in 1946

Phrases Containing gunk

Browse Nearby Words

gunja
gunk
gunkhole
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gunk. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of dissonant

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All