: something (such as an automobile) of such age and condition as to be ready for scrapping
: a member of the Prussian landed aristocracy

Examples of junker in a Sentence

Noun (1) I can't believe he's still driving that old junker. they finally traded in their old junker for a nice new car
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.
Noun
The original — which helped make the show’s title into a universal shorthand for junker rejuvenation — aired on MTV for six seasons from 2004-2007. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 3 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

junk entry 1 + -er entry 2

Noun (2)

German, from Old High German junchērro, literally, young lord

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1932, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of junker was in 1849

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Cite this Entry

“Junker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/junker. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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