dunkirk

incontable · nombre propio

A proper noun referring to a seaport in northern France, historically known for the large-scale evacuation of Allied forces during World War II in 1940, and also used metaphorically to describe a crisis requiring a desperate effort to avoid defeat.

• 🇪🇸Nombre propio que designa un puerto marítimo en el norte de Francia, históricamente célebre por la evacuación masiva de las fuerzas aliadas durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial en 1940; también se usa metafóricamente para referirse a una crisis que exige esfuerzos desesperados para evitar la derrota.

1. Historical evacuation B2 formal

   A major World War II operation in 1940 where over 330,000 Allied soldiers were evacuated from the beaches of Dunkirk, France, under heavy enemy fire.

   • The Dunkirk evacuation was a pivotal moment in World War II.
   • Over 300,000 troops were rescued from Dunkirk by a fleet of small boats.
   • The operation at Dunkirk demonstrated remarkable civilian courage.

   🇪🇸Evacuación de Dunkerque

2. Desperate crisis C1 formal

   A situation where a desperate effort is the only way to avoid defeat or disaster.

   • The company faced a Dunkirk-like crisis and had to restructure completely.
   • The political campaign was in a Dunkirk situation, needing a last-minute miracle.
   • Their project was at Dunkirk point, requiring all hands on deck.

   🇪🇸Dunkerque, crisis desesperada

   Sinónimos: crisisemergencypredicamentquandary

3. Geographic location B1 formal

   A seaport city in northern France, located on the North Sea coast.

   • Dunkirk is a major port city in the Nord department of France.
   • The city of Dunkirk has a rich maritime history.
   • Ferries from Dunkirk connect to several English ports.

   🇪🇸Dunquerque

• dunkirks plural form
• dunkirks' possessive plural form
• dunkirk's possessive singular form