dunkirk n. + Add to list US //ˈdənkɝk// dunkirk SynonymsEtymology Synonyms dunkerqueOriginNLDDuinkerke→ENDunkirk From Dutch Duinkerke, from duin (“dune”) + kerk (“church”). Idioms1 entry01Dunkirk spiritThe spirit of the British public pulling together to overcome times of adversity.