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

Where does Charlotte’s ‘hornet’s nest’ nickname come from? —Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2024

Like any successful social media channel, copycats have grabbed their vacuums and suits and rushed headfirst into the literal hornet’s nest. —Jason Nark, Hartford Courant, 2 Aug. 2024

Arizona's warm climate supports a lengthy wasp season, with common species including yellowjackets, paper wasps and hornets. —Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 16 Aug. 2024

Their extensive repertoire encompasses combating an array of pests, including ants, bed bugs, bees, wasps, hornets, boxelder bugs, cockroaches, crickets, fleas, flies, mice, rats, mosquitoes, silverfish, spiders, stink bugs, termites and ticks. —The Dreamer Media, Baltimore Sun, 4 Mar. 2024

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

Kids Definition

hornet

noun

hor·​net ˈhȯr-nət 

: any of the larger wasps that live in colonies