gunk

noun

ˈgəŋk 

: filthy, sticky, or greasy matter

gunky

ˈgəŋ-kē 

adjective

Synonyms of gunk

• dirt
• muck
• soil
• sludge
• sewage
• crud
• garbage

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

But there’s another 45 supremely indulgent auteur gunk that is snicker-worthy. — Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026

Worse still, gunk and staining on shelves can be off-putting. — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2026

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

Using a small scrub brush, scrape out any gunk that’s built in your P-trap. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

from Gunk, trademark for a cleaning solvent

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing gunk

• gunk up