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

At intersections in Chicago, Skokie and elsewhere, the protesters held up signs exhorting passersby to vote early, and drivers honked in response. — Shun Graves, Chicago Tribune, 17 Oct. 2026

Brown said her son was shot in August 2019 after honking at a Nissan double-parked on Fallon Street in West Philadelphia. — Liz Crawford, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

Noun

David’s distinctive honk comes through nearby walkie-talkies. — Kyle MacLachlan, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026

As the Knicks closed in, and then closed it out, during the fourth quarter, each new bucket was greeted with cheers and car honks from Brooklyn to the Bronx. — Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 14 June 2026

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