honk
honk Lexical Profile
honk Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To cause an automobile horn or similar device to make a loud, resonant sound, or to emit such a sound.
"Commuters began to honk their horns as the traffic light remained red for several minutes."
To make a harsh, nasal cry (especially of a goose).
"We watched a flock of Canada geese honk loudly as they flew south in a V-formation."
British To emit a strong, unpleasant odor, or to vomit (informal).
"After sitting in the warm sun all afternoon, the overflowing rubbish bins began to honk."
• noun
The harsh, resonant cry of a wild goose, or a similar loud, brassy sound produced by a vehicle's horn.
"A sudden honk from the delivery truck startled the pedestrians crossing the street."
• interjection
Used to imitate the harsh call of a goose or the sound of an automobile horn.
"Honk! The impatient driver leaned on the steering wheel to alert the car ahead."
• Rhymes for honk
Word Origin & Etymology
First recorded in the early 19th century, the word is of imitative origin, coined to mimic the resonant, nasal call of wild geese.