bunk

Bunk is a term with several related meanings in English. Most commonly, it refers to a bed arrangement in which one bed is stacked above another, as in bunk beds used in dormitories, ships, trains, military quarters, and hostels. A typical arrangement consists of two or more beds built into a frame; a ladder or stairs provides access, and curtains or screens may offer privacy. In ships and trains, bunks are compact, private berths within a cabin or compartment; in homes they are common in children's rooms or shared bedrooms.

The word bunk in this sense entered English in the 19th century and originally appeared in nautical contexts before spreading to civilian settings.

Bunk also means nonsense. As a noun or adjective, it is informal and can appear in phrases like "That's bunk." The longer form bunkum, derived from similar uses in American politics, can denote a long or insincere political speech.

A related verb phrase is "bunk off," meaning to skip work or school without permission, especially in British English.

In furniture and housing, bunks come in various configurations, including twin-over-twin, full-over-full, and bunk beds with built-in stairs, drawers, or trundle beds. Bunk facilities are common in dormitories, hostels, camps, and ships, where space optimization is important.