1 C1 informal
To make a machine, pipe, or mechanism dirty and clogged with a sticky or greasy substance so it no longer functions well.
"Years of cooking grease have really gunked up the kitchen exhaust fan."
separable
gunk up
C1 informal separable transitive
To make something dirty, sticky, or blocked with a messy substance.
In plain English
To fill something with sticky, dirty stuff so it stops working properly.
What does "gunk up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 informal
To make something messy or sticky in general, even outside a mechanical context.
"Don't let the kids gunk up the keyboard with their snacks."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To fill something up with gunk (sticky, dirty matter).
Actually means
To fill something with sticky, dirty stuff so it stops working properly.
Usage tip
Primarily North American informal usage. 'Gunk' as a noun refers to any unpleasant sticky or greasy substance. Often used for mechanical parts, drains, or filters.
Words that pair with "gunk up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
drain filter engine pipe nozzle carburetor
How to conjugate "gunk up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
gunk up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gunks up
he/she/it
Past simple
gunked up
yesterday
Past participle
gunked up
have + pp
-ing form
gunking up
continuous
Hear "gunk up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "gunk up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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