# junkyard

/ˈdʒəŋˌkjɑɹd/ (US) · /dʒˈʌŋkjɑːd/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/junkyard
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

a large area where old, broken, or unwanted things are kept. You often see these places full of old cars, metal, and plastic.

For teachers: a large area where discarded or broken items, particularly vehicles and industrial waste, are stored or processed. Often used to describe a site for recycling or scrap metal.

## Examples

- The old car sat rusting in the junkyard for years.
- The city council decided to clean up the junkyard to prevent the spread of pests and fire hazards.
- While the junkyard appeared to be a graveyard of forgotten machinery, it served as a vital resource for local mechanics seeking affordable replacement parts.

---

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.