bunker
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a strong building, usually underground, built to protect people from bombs or other attacks.
n.a reinforced, often subterranean, structure designed to provide protection against military projectiles or environmental hazards.
Simple“The soldiers retreated to the concrete bunker when the air raid sirens began to sound.”
In context“The government maintained a deep-level bunker beneath the capital, equipped with enough supplies to sustain the cabinet for several months in an emergency.”
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a hole filled with sand on a golf course that acts as an obstacle.
n.a sand-filled depression on a golf course serving as a hazard to increase the difficulty of play.
Simple“He was frustrated when his ball landed right in the middle of a deep sand bunker.”
In context“The architect designed the course with strategically placed bunkers that penalise players who attempt to take a direct line to the green.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
n.a large container or compartment used for storing fuel, especially on a ship.
n.a compartment or tank used for the storage of fuel, such as coal or oil, particularly within a maritime or industrial context.
Simple“The ship had to stop at the port to fill its fuel bunkers before the long journey.”
In context“Engineers inspected the coal bunkers for structural integrity before the vintage steamship was cleared for its commemorative voyage across the Atlantic.”
Synonyms - 04 C2 Proficiency
n.a flat surface in a kitchen where you prepare food.
n.a kitchen work surface or countertop.
Simple“She left the grocery bags on the kitchen bunker while she looked for her keys.”
In context“In many traditional Scottish homes, the term bunker is still commonly used to refer to the kitchen work surface.”
Synonymscounterworktop - 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to stay in a safe place for a long time, often to avoid a difficult situation.
v.to take shelter or hide in a reinforced structure; frequently used with 'down' to describe a period of isolation or protection.
Simple“The family decided to bunker down in the basement until the storm passed.”
In context“As the scandal broke, the executive chose to bunker down in his private estate, refusing to answer any questions from the press.”
UsageOften used as the phrasal verb 'bunker down'.
- 06 C1 Advanced
v.to fill a ship with the fuel it needs for its engines.
v.to supply a vessel with fuel oil or coal; can be used transitively for the vessel or intransitively for the act of taking on fuel.
Simple“The tanker spent the afternoon bunkering in the harbour before heading out to sea.”
In context“The port authority regulated the hours during which vessels could bunker to minimise the risk of accidental spills in the protected bay.”
Synonyms