junk
/dʒʌŋk/
Chinese Origin
General
Original Word
船
Cantonese (syùhn) / Malay (jong)
Entered English
16th century
First recorded usage in English
The Story Behind "junk"
From Malay 'jong' or possibly from Cantonese 'syùhn' (船), meaning boat. A traditional Chinese sailing ship design with battened sails that has been used for centuries. The word entered English through Portuguese and Dutch traders.
Example Usage
"The ancient junk sailed gracefully across the harbor with its distinctive red sails."