# ilk

/ˈɪɫk/ (US) · /ˈɪlk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ilk
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a group of people or things that are similar to each other. You use this to describe a specific type of person or object.

For teachers: a group or class of people or things of a particular type. Often used in the phrase 'of the same ilk' to indicate similarity in nature or quality.

## Examples

- The company decided to stop producing cars of that ilk and focus on more modern, electric vehicles.
- The historian argued that the two leaders were of a different ilk, as one was driven by personal ambition while the other sought collective prosperity for his nation.

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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.