junction

noun

junc·​tion ˈjəŋ(k)-shən How to pronounce junction (audio)
1
: an act of joining : the state of being joined
2
a
: a place or point of meeting
b
: an intersection of roads especially where one terminates
c
: a point (as in a thermocouple) at which dissimilar metals make contact
d
: an interface in a semiconductor device between regions with different electrical characteristics
3
: something that joins
junctional
ˈjəŋ(k)-sh(ə-)nəl
 How to pronounce junction (audio)
adjective

Examples of junction in a Sentence

a junction of nerves and muscle the junction of Route 12 and Route 87
Recent Examples on the Web Located near the southwestern edge of the school, the Finch Avenue and Calle de Barcelona three-way junction is packed with Cupertino High School students during the early mornings and late afternoons. Stephanie Lam, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2024 Now the lanes extend from the junction of I-95 and State Road 836 near downtown Miami to Broward Boulevard near Fort Lauderdale, a 21-mile stretch. Emma Janssen, Miami Herald, 22 Feb. 2024 Lodged within the junction of Cal X, however, was the most massive core in that region. Nia Imara, Scientific American, 20 Feb. 2024 At the junction with Idaho 75, turn left to head north. Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 3 Feb. 2024 Some viewers may grow impatient waiting for the inevitable junction where their paths cross or wish for more scenes of them together. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Feb. 2024 Israel won the game 87-57. 13d ago / 5:37 AM PST Protesters arrested by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank Max Butterworth Israeli security forces arrest activists during a protest against Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, at a junction leading to Jericho city in the occupied West Bank today. NBC News, 10 Feb. 2024 Botulism is a disease of the neuromuscular junction that causes irritability, constipation, autonomic disturbances such as high blood pressure and fast heart rate, a weak cry, drooping eyelids, poor feeding, lethargy, weakness, and respiratory difficulties. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 24 Jan. 2024 Take Reno Bottoms, for example — a tranquil wildlife area spanning thousands of acres of Mississippi River backwaters at the junction of Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. Journal Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'junction.' 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

Latin junction-, junctio, from jungere to join — more at yoke

First Known Use

1711, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of junction was in 1711

Dictionary Entries Near junction

Cite this Entry

“Junction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/junction. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

junction

noun
junc·​tion ˈjəŋ(k)-shən How to pronounce junction (audio)
1
: an act of joining : the state of being joined
2
: a place or point of meeting
a railroad junction

Medical Definition

junction

noun
junc·​tion ˈjəŋ(k)-shən How to pronounce junction (audio)
: a place or point of meeting
the structure of the synaptic junction as revealed by electron microscopy
see neuromuscular junction
junctional adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on junction

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!