junk

Definition

Miscellaneous items of little value, especially discarded or unwanted items.

Etymology

From earlier meaning "old refuse from boats and ships", from Middle English junk, jounke, jonk, joynk (“an old cable or rope”, nautical term), sometimes cut into bits and used as caulking; of uncertain origin; perhaps related to join, joint, juncture. Often compared to Middle English junk, jonk, jonke, junck (“a rush; basket made of rushes”), from Old French jonc, from Latin iuncus (“rush, reed”); however, the Oxford English Dictionary finds "no evidence of connexion".

Example Sentences

• "This shed is full of junk – will you help me sort it out?"
• "She needs to find a better place to keep her junk [= belongings]."
• "What a piece of junk!"