First Known Use: 1720
Dictionary
hunker
verb hun·ker \ˈhəŋ-kər\
: to lower your body to the ground by bending your legs
hun·keredhun·ker·ing \-k(ə-)riŋ\
Full Definition of HUNKER
intransitive verb
2
: to settle in or dig in for a sustained period —used with down <hunker down for a good long wait — New Yorker>
See hunker defined for English-language learners
See hunker defined for kids
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Origin of HUNKER
probably akin to Middle Dutch hucken, huken to squat, Middle Low German hōken to squat, peddle, Old Norse hūka to squat
HUNKER Defined for Kids
hunker
verb hun·ker \ˈhəŋ-kər\
hun·keredhun·ker·ing
Definition of HUNKER for Kids
: 1crouch <She hunkered in the tall grass.>
— hunker down
: to settle in for a long time <He hunkered down for the winter.>
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