honk

1 of 2

verb

ˈhäŋk How to pronounce honk (audio)
ˈhȯŋk
honked; honking; honks

intransitive verb

1
: to make the characteristic cry of a goose
2
: to make a sound resembling the cry of a goose

transitive verb

: to cause to honk
honk a horn

honk

2 of 2

noun

: the characteristic cry of a goose
also : a similar sound

Examples of honk in a Sentence

Verb We could hear the geese honking overhead. I honked at the car in front of me. Noun the honk of a horn
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
And in Times Square, where a dense orchestra of honking horns, idling motors, chattering tourists, and voluble vendors can push sound levels north of 90 decibels, the song’s unmistakable tinny beat and pogoing piano loop manage to cut through the din. Max Cea, Curbed, 17 Oct. 2024 The incessant beeping and honking penetrate her soundproof windows. Rebecca Plevin, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2024
Noun
The geese honk, the chickens squawk and the turkeys strut haughtily, unaware that Thanksgiving is nigh. Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 8 Nov. 2024 Into the nighttime, into the rain, their honks croaked and croaked. Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American-Statesman, 5 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for honk 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

imitative

First Known Use

Verb

1813, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

1813, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of honk was in 1813

Dictionary Entries Near honk

Cite this Entry

“Honk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/honk. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

honk

noun
ˈhäŋk,
ˈhȯŋk
: the cry of a goose
also : a similar sound (as of a horn)
honk verb

More from Merriam-Webster on honk

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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