hornet

noun

hor·​net ˈhȯr-nət 

plural hornets

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

Examples of hornet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Russell — the devoted husband of Paige (Elle Chapman) — absorbs hornet stings and sharper barbs from his mother-in-law, Stacy Clyburn (Michelle Pfeiffer). —Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026

Day 1 was the scene with the hornets and having to spray them all to death. —Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026

The best illustration of Voros’ power and essential role in making The Madison less bad than it might have otherwise been comes in the second episode, when Paige gets stung by hornets in the Montana cabin’s outhouse. —Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Mar. 2026

These insects also often may be mistaken for bald-faced hornets or other similarly-appearing species, says Bartlett. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English hernet, from Old English hyrnet; akin to Old High German hornaz hornet, Latin crabro

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing hornet

• Asian giant hornet
• Asian hornet
• bald-faced hornet
• European hornet
• giant hornet
• hornet's nest
• Japanese giant hornet
• murder hornet
• northern giant hornet
• white-faced hornet
• yellow-legged hornet

Rhymes for hornet

• cornett

Kids Definition

hornet

noun

hor·​net ˈhȯr-nət 

: any of the larger wasps that live in colonies