bonk

verb

ˈbäŋk 

ˈbȯŋk

bonked; bonking; bonks

1

transitive informal : hit

Johnson isn't the only one who has noticed the glut of acorns this fall. Walkers are getting bonked on the head, and cars are getting pelted by the falling nuts.

—Lori Stabile

2

intransitive informal : to experience sudden, severe fatigue during strenuous activity

Two hours into the ride, you encounter a sudden loss of energy that leaves you weak, dizzy and nauseated. You've hit the wall, or "bonked."

—Sharon Cohen

3

transitive chiefly British, informal : to have sexual intercourse with (someone)

Synonyms of bonk

• hit
• smack
• slap
• knock
• bang
• punch
• whack
• clap
• slam
• strike
• clip
• pound
• crack

Examples of bonk in a Sentence

He bonked him on the head.

The golf ball bonked the hood of the car.

Recent Examples on the Web

Tailwind Nutrition High Carb Fuel For ultra-distance athletes, calories per bottle are the difference between bonking and finishing strong. —Joe Jackson, Outside, 19 Nov. 2025

In other words, she got bonked on the head and now is the Terminator. —Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 15 Apr. 2025

Perkins may attempt comedy, but his jokes land like a Nerf missile bonking your head. —Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 7 Feb. 2025

Stelton wrote that the short-term chance of an eruption is akin to the probability of getting bonked in the head by a baseball — while standing outside a major league stadium. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 3 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

imitative

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for bonk

• bronk
• cronk
• honk
• tonk