junk food

noun

1
: food that is high in calories but low in nutritional content
2
: something that is appealing or enjoyable but of little or no real value
video junk food

Examples of junk food in a Sentence

worrying about kids eating too much junk food eating too many junk foods
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.
Not surprisingly, some of the most addictive foods named in the study were grocery store junk foods — ultraprocessed cookies, cakes, doughnuts, muffins, pies, pizza, chips, candy and other snack foods. Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 17 June 2026 Few foods occupy a space as unique as instant noodles, simultaneously worshipped as a junk food treat and a reliable staple for millions of people around the world. Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 16 June 2026 In Tokyo alone, there's plenty of fast food, and junk food. Adam Yamaguchi, CBS News, 14 June 2026 At the same time, the MAHA movement has tapped into growing frustration with a food system that pushes junk food over nutritional value and contributes to rising obesity, diabetes, and chronic disease. Sam Raus, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for junk food

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of junk food was in 1952

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Cite this Entry

“Junk food.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/junk%20food. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

junk food

noun
: food that is high in calories but low in nutritional value

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