© 2026 Sloth Lingo. Learn easy. Lounge wisely.

dunk

Elementary (A2)

IPA: /dʌŋk/

KK: /dʌŋk/

intransitive verb
Definition

To jump and score by putting the ball directly through the hoop in basketball, or to briefly go underwater.


Example

He decided to dunk the basketball during the game to impress the crowd.


Tense Forms

Past: dunked

Past Participle: dunked


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you see that player dunk during the game last night?
Sloth B
Yeah, it was amazing! He really jumped high.
Sloth A
I wish I could dunk like that someday.
Sloth B
Same here! Maybe we should practice our jumps together.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
plunge
drop
sink
Antonyms
rise
ascend
float
noun
Definition

A type of food that is dipped into a liquid or creamy substance, or a basketball move where a player jumps and scores by putting the ball directly through the hoop.


Example

He enjoyed a snack of vegetables with a tasty dip for dunking.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you tried that new place with the chocolate dunk for fruit?
Sloth B
No, I haven't! Is it really good?
Sloth A
It's amazing, especially with strawberries to dunk in it.
Sloth B
transitive verb
Definition

To put something into a liquid quickly, often to coat it or soak it, or to slam a ball into a basketball hoop from above.


Example

He likes to dunk his cookies in milk before eating them.


Tense Forms

Past: dunked

Past Participle: dunked


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever seen someone dunk a basketball from that high up?
Sloth B
Yeah, it’s always so impressive to watch!
Sloth A
I wish I could dunk like that; it looks so cool.
Root Explanation

The word 'dunk' originates from the late 19th century, possibly derived from the dialectal 'dunk' meaning to dip or immerse, which is of uncertain origin. It describes the action of plunging something into a liquid.

Memory Tip

Think of the action of 'dipping' something into a liquid — that's what dunk means.

Visually Confused Words
drunk
dun
podunk
debunk
Is this page helpful?
That sounds delicious! I need to check it out.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
dip
soak
immerse
Antonyms
dry
withdraw
remove
Sloth B
You just need to practice your jumps and you'll get there!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
dip
immerse
submerge
Antonyms
lift
remove
extract