honk

1 of 2

verb

ˈhäŋk 

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

Verb

Neighbors near a Waymo charging station in Santa Monica have complained about noise pollution caused by the driverless vehicles honking at each other in the parking lot. —Chad De Guzman, Time, 10 June 2025

Beginning at noon, with Naperville police quietly present, the dissenters waved to passing drivers, many of whom honked in solidarity and offered a thumbs-up. —Christine Ledbetter, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025

Noun

The mass of activists marched down blocks of Fayette Street, sometimes tying up traffic but also receiving honks of approval from the waiting motorists. —Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 11 June 2025

Pollock is one of about 60 people lining the sidewalk outside the CDC on a late Tuesday afternoon holding signs, beating drums and getting honks from workers leaving at the end of the day. —Pien Huang, NPR, 8 May 2025

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

Rhymes for honk

• bonk
• bronk
• cronk
• tonk

Kids Definition

honk

noun

ˈhäŋk,

ˈhȯŋk

: the cry of a goose

also : a similar sound (as of a horn)

honk verb