junk food

noun

1
: food that is high in calories but low in nutritional content
2
: something that is appealing or enjoyable but of little or no real value
video junk food

Examples of junk food in a Sentence

worrying about kids eating too much junk food eating too many junk foods
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Jillian Michaels debunks popular weight-loss myth Celebrity fitness trainer Jillian Michaels joins 'Fox & Friends' to discuss America's obesity problem being linked to carbs and the push to eliminate junk food from food stamp benefits. Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2025 Lowe credits his ability to eat junk food in moderation, while maintaining an athletic body, to the Atkins diet, which involves limiting carbohydrates and prioritizing protein and fat intake. Charles Trepany, USA Today, 13 June 2025 The move is set to take effect on Jan. 1 as a part of a broader effort to restrict taxpayer dollars from contributing to the purchase of sugary drinks and junk food under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 20 May 2025 Watermelon is a divisive flavor in the junk food world. Pete Cottell, Wired News, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for junk food

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of junk food was in 1952

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Cite this Entry

“Junk food.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/junk%20food. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

junk food

noun
: food that is high in calories but low in nutritional value

More from Merriam-Webster on junk food

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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