junk bond

noun

: a high-risk bond that offers a high yield

Examples of junk bond in a Sentence

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.
The actions by Fitch and S&P Global put some of Brightline’s bonds further into junk bond territory and provide further signals of growing skepticism that the train service will be able to make its debt payments on time and in full in the months ahead. Tom Hudson, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2026 However, taxpayers pay lower interest rates for issuing bonds and Dabrowski complained that the state was once a step above high-interest junk bond status. Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026 Netflix, a company that built its business on junk bonds, is looking to borrow heavily again. Emily Graffeo, Fortune, 11 Dec. 2025 All sorts of stocks and junk bonds. Jim Cramer, CNBC, 16 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for junk bond

Word History

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of junk bond was in 1974

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Junk bond.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/junk%20bond. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.

Legal Definition

junk bond

see bond sense 2

More from Merriam-Webster on junk bond

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