# hunch over

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hunch-over
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to bend your body forward and down so that your back is curved. You often do this when you are working at a desk or looking closely at something.

For teachers: To flex the upper torso forward and downward, resulting in a rounded or convex spinal posture. This verb often appears in the passive-stative form 'be hunched over' to describe a physical state.

## Examples

- He often hunches over his desk while studying.
- The mechanic spent the entire afternoon hunching over the engine, trying to find the source of the leak.
- The jeweler remained hunched over his workbench, meticulously adjusting the tiny gears of the watch with a pair of silver tweezers.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He was hunched on his desk." but "He was hunched over his desk." — The preposition 'over' is required to describe the arched position of the body; 'on' is a common mistake for learners.

## Usage notes

- Usually followed by a noun like 'desk', 'laptop', or 'book'.
- Teaching tip: Contrast with 'slouch' to show that 'hunch' specifically describes the rounded shape of the back rather than just poor sitting posture.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.