flunky

noun

flun·​ky ˈfləŋ-kē How to pronounce flunky (audio)
variants or less commonly flunkey or flunkie
plural flunkies also flunkeys
1
a
: a liveried servant
b
: one performing menial or miscellaneous duties
2

Examples of flunky in a Sentence

If he can't go himself, he'll send one of his flunkies. since I'm just the flunky who files his papers, I've no idea where he is
Recent Examples on the Web Brennan’s flunkies created a fake online profile to access the network used by the Senate Intelligence Committee, whose Democratic members were at the time investigating the CIA’s torture program. Becket Adams, National Review, 9 July 2023 In episode 5, Manfredi viciously killed a mob flunky, Nico, who Tina said had molested her while her father was serving a 25-year prison sentence. Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2022 And Julia’s cousin, the feckless Lord Cassidy (Oliver Jackson-Cohen), is amusing as a flunky for Julia’s demands. Natalia Winkelman, BostonGlobe.com, 29 June 2022 Earlier this month, former Chancellor and longtime Putin flunky Gerhard Schroeder was nominated to join the board of Gazprom, the company behind the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Michael Tomasky, The New Republic, 28 Feb. 2022 In a memorable death scene, Moe is confronted by Joey, Candy’s abusive ex, who’s working as a Soviet flunky. Mark Jacobson, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2021 To Davis, practically everyone was a flunky, from MVA clerk to Target cashier. Washington Post, 23 May 2021 Far from embracing Western-style market reforms, Xi calcified state control over the economy and stocked its bureaucracy with flunkies and yes-men. Charlie Campbell, Time, 6 Feb. 2020 My job is to be a journalist, not a flunky and a propaganda arm for your criminal behavior and corruption. Washington Post, 22 Nov. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'flunky.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Scots, of unknown origin

First Known Use

circa 1782, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of flunky was circa 1782

Dictionary Entries Near flunky

Cite this Entry

“Flunky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flunky. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

flunky

noun
flun·​ky
variants also flunkey or flunkie
ˈfləŋ-kē
plural flunkies also flunkeys
1
a
: a servant in livery
b
: a person who has simple or unskilled duties
2
: a person who flatters or constantly agrees with another in the hope of receiving favors

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