Hunky-dory - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

Maybe your like

SKIP TO CONTENT hunky-dory /ˌˈhʌŋki ˌdɔri/ IPA guide

When things are hunky-dory, they're just fine. Once you've started your new job and rented a lovely apartment, you might feel that life in a new city is hunky-dory.

The informal hunky-dory is perfect for those times when everything is great, going according to plan, or not bad at all. This American-coined adjective has been around since the 1860s, from the now-obsolete hunkey, "all right," which stems from the New York slang hunk, "in a safe position," and the Dutch root honk or "home." The origin of dory is unknown.

Definitions of hunky-dory

adjective being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition synonyms: all right, fine, o.k., ok, okay satisfactory giving satisfaction

Cite this entry Style: MLA

MLA
APA
Chicago

Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘hunky-dory'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing hunky-dory

A Good Kind of Trouble Lisa Moore Ramée

Twelve-year-old Shayla doesn't like to make waves—but as she navigates middle school and educates herself about prejudice in her community, she learns that sometimes it's good to cause a little trouble.

"How to Train a Guide Dog" and "The Wonder Dog"

Learn these words from the how-to article and the poem by J. Patrick Lewis (Inside: Level B, Unit 6). Here are our links to the selections of "To the Rescue": Dogs at Work, How to Train a Guide Dog; The Wonder Dog, Angels in the Snow, Zlateh the Goat, The Story of Mzee and Owen, A Conflict Close to Home Here are our links to the units of Level B: Unit 1, Unit 2, Unit 3, Unit 4, Unit 5, Unit 6, Unit 7, Unit 8 Here are our links to the Inside books: Level A, Level B, Level C Here is our link to a list of academic vocabulary for Inside: Academic Vocabulary

The Darkest Minds Alexandra Bracken

When the children who survive a plague develop unusual powers, they are rounded up and imprisoned in rehabilitation camps. Sixteen-year-old Ruby escapes from confinement and joins up with a group of other children fighting back against the government.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS 2 million people are mastering new words. Master a word

Sign up now (it’s free!)

Whether you’re a teacher or a learner, Vocabulary.com can put you or your class on the path to systematic vocabulary improvement.

Get started Learn with us

Learner subscriptions
Vocabulary lists
Dictionary
Test Prep
Join a Vocabulary Jam
Commonly confused words
Word of the day

Teach with us

For educators
For schools and districts
How it works
Success stories
Research
Professional development
Contact sales

Resources

Help articles/FAQ
Teaching resources
Learner resources
ESL/ELL resources
Grade level resources
IPA Pronunciation
Contact support

Leaderboards

Vocabulary Bowl
Today's leaders
Weekly leaders
Monthly leaders

About

Our Mission
Blog
Tell us what you think
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use

My Account Log in Sign up

Log Out
My Learning
My Proficiency Report
My Profile
Schools & Teachers
My Classes
Assignments & Activities
My Lists
- Find a List to Learn...
- Create a New List...
My Progress
- Words I'm Learning
- My Trouble Words
- Words I've Mastered
- My Achievements
User Administration
User Authentication
My Account