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

Terry has kicked a hornet’s nest, riling up a swarm of good-ol’-boy cops (including an excellent Emory Cohen), who answer to Chief Sandy Burnne (Don Johnson). —Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2024

The complexity of installing vast sensor arrays on public right of way gave me pause; this could be a hornet’s nest of regulatory barriers. —Richard Bishop, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2024

When Aaron’s character is cuffed on the ground at the start of the movie, a hornet or wasp or some kind of flying insect lands directly in front of his face. —Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Aug. 2024

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