hunker: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal to neutral, often idiomatic.
Quick answer
What does “hunker” mean?
To squat or crouch down low, typically with the knees bent and back straight.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To squat or crouch down low, typically with the knees bent and back straight; to adopt a low, defensive posture.
To settle in or focus intensively on something, often in a stubborn, determined, or defensive way, as in preparing to wait out a difficult situation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The verb 'hunker' and the phrase 'hunker down' are used in both varieties, but the physical sense of squatting is somewhat more common in AmE. The figurative sense is equally understood.
Connotations
In AmE, "hunker down" often has a strong connotation of preparing for a storm (literal or metaphorical) or a siege. In BrE, the term can sound slightly Americanised but is fully understood in news/media contexts.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English, especially in news reports (e.g., 'residents hunker down for the hurricane').
Grammar
How to Use “hunker” in a Sentence
Intransitive (hunker down)Intransitive + prepositional phrase (hunker over the fire)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hunker” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The footballers hunkered in the tunnel, waiting for the rain to ease.
- The company is hunkering down to weather the economic downturn.
American English
- The kids hunkered behind the sofa during hide-and-seek.
- With the blizzard coming, we decided to hunker down at the cabin.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A (not standard). 'Hunkering' is a present participle adjective, e.g., 'a hunkering figure'.
American English
- N/A (not standard). 'Hunkering' is a present participle adjective, e.g., 'a hunkering posture'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"We need to hunker down and get these reports finished before the audit."
Academic
Rare in formal academic writing; might appear in political science or sociology to describe a defensive posture of a group.
Everyday
"Let's just hunker down at home with a film tonight."
Technical
Used in meteorology/disaster reporting (e.g., 'advising residents to hunker down').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hunker”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hunker”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hunker”
- Using it transitively (e.g., *'He hunkered the situation' – incorrect).
- Confusing 'hunker' with 'bunker' (a shelter).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is primarily informal or neutral. Its figurative use is common in journalism but rare in highly formal academic or legal writing.
They are often synonyms for the physical posture. 'Hunker' can imply a more settled, determined, or enduring squat, especially in its 'hunker down' form, while 'crouch' can be a more temporary, ready-to-move position.
Yes, but less commonly. "He hunkered by the stove" is correct. However, the figurative meaning almost always uses the phrasal verb 'hunker down'.
Yes, etymologists trace it to the early 18th century, likely of Scots origin, related to an old verb meaning 'to squat'.
To squat or crouch down low, typically with the knees bent and back straight.
Hunker: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhʌŋkə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhʌŋkər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “hunker down”
- “hunker down to business”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a HUNgry HUNter who has to CROUCH (hunker) low and wait quietly for his prey.
Conceptual Metaphor
PREPARING FOR A DIFFICULT SITUATION IS ADOPTING A LOW, DEFENSIVE PHYSICAL POSTURE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common figurative meaning of 'hunker down'?