English Reference

Word

junction

Phoneticsjunc·tion, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈdʒəŋkʃən/

UK/dʒˈʌŋkʃən/

Definitions

01roads or railways

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a place where two or more roads or railway lines meet.

n. a point where multiple transport routes, such as roads or railway lines, meet or cross. In British English, it specifically refers to a motorway exit or intersection.

“Take the first exit at the next junction to stay on the main road.”

“The proposed development is situated near a major motorway junction, providing excellent logistical links for the new distribution centre.”

Usage

Often used with 'at' to describe a location.

02joining together

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal

n. the act of joining two things together, or the point where they are joined.

n. the act of joining or the state of being joined; the physical interface between two distinct parts or materials.

“The junction between the two pipes was leaking slightly.”

“The structural integrity of the bridge depends on the strength of the junction where the steel cables meet the concrete pylons.”

Teaching tip

This sense is more abstract and formal than the transport sense; learners should use 'joint' for simple physical objects like furniture.

03electronics

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Technical

n. a point where two or more electrical wires or parts of a circuit are connected.

n. a point or area where multiple conductors or semiconductors make physical contact, allowing the flow of current.

“Check the junction box to see if any wires have come loose.”

“The efficiency of the solar cell is determined by the properties of the p-n junction where the two semiconductor layers meet.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “junction” in context.

Verb

01. approach the junction

“Drivers should reduce their speed as they approach the junction.”

verb + noun

02. block the junction

“A broken-down lorry is currently blocking the junction, causing significant delays.”

verb + noun

Adjective

03. busy junction

“Pedestrians often struggle to cross this busy junction during rush hour.”

adj + noun

04. major junction

“The accident occurred at a major junction where the two motorways intersect.”

adj + noun

Noun

05. motorway junction

“Take the second exit at the next motorway junction to reach the city centre.”

noun + noun

06. railway junction

“Crewe is a famous railway junction where several main lines meet.”

noun + noun

Preposition

07. at the junction

“Turn left at the junction and follow the signs for the airport.”

prep + noun

Real-World Examples

“Newton Road will be closed from the junction with Mumbles Road, near the White Rose, to Langland Road, near Oystermouth School, from around 3pm on Saturday.”
BreakingNews.ie 15 Aug 2026
“This is where police and organisers use motorbikes and cars to ensure the road is clear at certain junctions and temporarily enforce a closure in theory until all competitors have passed through.”
BBC News 15 Aug 2026

Word family

NOUN

junction(C1)

Related words

Domains

ComputingElectronicsNauticalProgrammingTelevision

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Frequent
Level
C1 · AdvancedOxford
Updated

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