Definition of hornet
: any of the larger vespid wasps (as of the genus Vespa) — compare yellow jacket
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Recent Examples of hornet from the Web
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This is a probe into a hornet’s nest plopped on a third-rail shrouded in a haze — bearing who-knows-what-substantial-upside and/or unanticipated consequences in the bigger picture.
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In distant second are bees, wasps and hornets (60 deaths yearly), dogs (20 to 30), cows (about 20) and horses (also about 20).
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Paragon The Paragon Speedway's annual event on June 30 features sprints, super stocks, bombers and hornets and closes with a fireworks display.
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Bees, wasps and hornets caused the most harm among wild animals.
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Wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets can put a serious crimp in your outdoor fun.
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Of the 1,610 people killed in encounters with animals between 2008 and 2015, 478 were killed by hornets, wasps and bees, and 272 by dogs, according to a study published in Wilderness & Environmental Medicine.
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From the get-go, negotiators stirred up a hornet’s nest by trying to lure Japan and Thailand (a global capital of light-truck production) into the deal by promising to phase out the U.S. chicken tax on pickups.
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Bees, hornets and wasps were connected to six deaths overall.
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.
Origin and Etymology of hornet
Middle English hernet, from Old English hyrnet; akin to Old High German hornaz hornet, Latin crabro
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First Known Use: before 12th century
in the meaning defined above
See Words from the same yearHORNET Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of hornet for English Language Learners
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: a flying insect that has a powerful sting
HORNET Defined for Kids
Definition of hornet for Students
: a large wasp that can give a severe sting
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Spanish Central: Translation of hornet Nglish: Translation of hornet for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of hornet for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hornet
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