hornet

noun

hor·net | \ ˈhȯr-nət

How to pronounce hornet (audio)

\

plural hornets

Definition of hornet

: any of the larger vespid wasps (genus Vespa) that usually build large papery nests in shrubs and trees — see also asian giant hornet, asian hornet, european hornet — compare bald-faced hornet

Examples of hornet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Male platypuses have poisonous spurs that can cause as much pain as hundreds of hornet stings. — Animals, "Platypuses are increasingly threatened, scientists say," 30 Dec. 2020 Mattila suspects there's something in the dung that repels the hornet. — Erik Stokstad, Science | AAAS, "Giant hornets on the attack? Try a little water buffalo poop," 9 Dec. 2020 The first Asian giant hornet was found in the state a year ago and the first was trapped in July. — Fox News, "Over 500 'murder hornets' were found in Washington nest, including nearly 200 queens," 11 Nov. 2020 But horseflies pack the biggest wallop, often drawing a wheal worthy of a hornet. — The Editors, Outdoor Life, "Three Reasons to Bring a Screen Canopy Camping," 4 Dec. 2020 It's been a tumultuous year with a worldwide pandemic, a record number of hurricanes and wildfires and the arrival of the dangerous murder hornet in North America. — Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, "Will it be snowy this winter? We looked for signs in nature to predict the weather ahead," 11 Nov. 2020 As the name suggests, the hornet is an invasive species found primarily in eastern and southeastern Asian countries including Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia. — Kellie Hwang, SFChronicle.com, "First ‘murder hornet’ nest was just eradicated in Washington state. Could they fly to California next?," 25 Oct. 2020 Scientists hope to capture another live hornet and try again. — CBS News, "More "murder hornet" sightings prompt search for nest in Washington state," 5 Oct. 2020 Scientists hope to capture another live hornet and try again. — Fox News, "Search underway for murder hornets nest in Washington state," 3 Oct. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hornet.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

21 Feb 2021

Cite this Entry

“Hornet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hornet. Accessed 3 Mar. 2021.

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More Definitions for hornet

hornet

noun

English Language Learners Definition of hornet

: a flying insect that has a powerful sting

See the full definition for hornet in the English Language Learners Dictionary

hornet

noun

hor·net | \ ˈhȯr-nət

\

Kids Definition of hornet

: a large wasp that can give a severe sting

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