dunk

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'dunk' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use 'dunk' as both a verb and a noun. For example, if you are playing basketball, you may say "I just dunked the ball!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

The caddies hired a law firm, who told them that through last year's landmark O'Bannon v NCAA sports image rights case, legal precedent had been set, making the case "a slam dunk".

The Guardian - Sport

Killed them all, of course' No. "Slam dunk" was the term used by prosecutors in Galveston, Texas, who couldn't get a murder conviction for the 2001 killing of Durst's roommate Morris Black even though Durst admitted firing the fatal shot and dismembering the corpse with an axe and a bow saw.

The Guardian

His biggest claim to fame – besides pig videos and being a "big animal" veterinarian, which was something of a cross-promotional slam dunk – is beating a vampire-LARPing GOP primary candidate in central Florida.

The Guardian - Opinion

The ABA gave us the three-point shot, the dunk contest, the most stylistic basketball of its time, and that beautiful red, white, and blue ball.

The Guardian - Sport

The patting method works much better, but it's far easier to do as Stein and Luu do and simply dunk the rounds in cold water.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Obviously tea isn't tea if you don't dunk a biscuit in it, and academics have even overthought this simple pleasure.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Whether or not the EPA's own surveys can be trusted, the move by Republicans to denounce water regulation and pitch it as the enemy of the foundational American ideal of private property might not be a slam-dunk for the American right – even among their core supporters.

The Guardian

Again, mid-teens millions looks a slam-dunk, and probably more.

The Guardian - Film

You need a full cup and to dip with slant to start with, but the real trick is to flip the biscuit post-dunk so that the slightly less wet side supports the weaker side as you move from cup to mouth.

The Guardian

But it is not a slam-dunk for the prosecution.

The Economist

WHEN America's Supreme Court announced on June 16th that it would not hear Argentina's appeal in the country's dispute with a group of hedge funds, the decision looked like a slam-dunk victory for creditors in sovereign-debt markets.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dunk" in a sports context, ensure it accurately reflects a forceful, downward shot. In other contexts, emphasize the brief immersion or careless placement.

Common error

Avoid using "dunk" casually when a more precise verb like "dip", "immerse", or "place" would better convey your intended meaning. The word carries a connotation of forcefulness or brevity that might be inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The word "dunk" functions primarily as a verb, describing the action of briefly submerging something in a liquid or, in basketball, forcefully putting the ball through the hoop. It can also function as a noun, referring to the act of dunking itself. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

30%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dunk" is a versatile word that functions as both a verb and a noun. It commonly refers to briefly submerging something in liquid or making a forceful shot in basketball. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and widely used. While generally neutral in tone, context is crucial for appropriate usage. Consider alternatives like "dip quickly" or "immerse briefly" in non-sports contexts. Be aware that misuse can occur if applied too broadly, where more precise verbs are fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slam dunk

Basketball term for a powerful, decisive score.

stuff shot

Specifically refers to a forceful basketball shot through the hoop.

submerge briefly

Focuses on the action of quickly placing something under a liquid.

immerse briefly

Highlights briefly surrounding something completely with a substance, frequently liquid.

dip quickly

Emphasizes a rapid immersion in a liquid.

plunge into

Highlights a forceful and sudden entry into something.

souse

Implies soaking or saturating something, often with liquid.

force through

Emphasizes using strength to get something from one point to another.

douse

Suggests pouring liquid over something quickly.

carelessly set down

Indicates placing something without care or precision.

FAQs

How is "dunk" used in basketball terminology?

In basketball, "dunk" refers to putting the ball directly downward through the hoop while grabbing the rim with power. It's also known as a "slam dunk" or a "stuff shot".

What are some synonyms for "dunk" when referring to food?

When referring to food, "dunk" can be replaced with synonyms like "dip quickly", "immerse briefly", or "submerge briefly", depending on the specific action you want to describe.

Can "dunk" be used to describe actions other than those involving liquids or sports?

Yes, "dunk" can also mean to set something down carelessly. For example, "Parents shouldn't just dunk their kids in front of the TV." In this context, it suggests a lack of care or attention.

What is the difference between "dunk" and "slam dunk"?

"Dunk" is the general term for putting the ball through the hoop, often with force. "Slam dunk" specifically emphasizes the force and power of the action, suggesting a more dramatic and emphatic score.