1 B1 idiomatic informal
To leave or stay away from school without permission.
"Half the class bunked off on the last day before summer to go to the park."
inseparable
bunk off
B1 informal inseparable transitive/intransitive
British informal: to leave or stay away from school or work without permission.
In plain English
To skip school or work when you're supposed to be there.
What does "bunk off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To leave or avoid work without permission or a valid reason.
"He bunked off early on Friday afternoon, telling his boss he had a dentist appointment."
inseparable
Usage tip
Very common in British English, especially among younger speakers. Primarily associated with skipping school but can apply to work. Slightly mischievous in tone but not strongly negative.
Words that pair with "bunk off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
school lessons work class afternoon last period
How to conjugate "bunk off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
bunk off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bunks off
he/she/it
Past simple
bunked off
yesterday
Past participle
bunked off
have + pp
-ing form
bunking off
continuous
Hear "bunk off" in the wild
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