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

Paper wasps and hornets generally focus on hunting garden pests like caterpillars and rarely bother humans unless provoked near their nesting sites. — Nick Perry, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026

In August, the Department of Agriculture says its agents found 1,090 hornets and 60 nests while checking nearly 8,000 traps across the state. — Dan Raby, CBS News, 7 Sep. 2026

Empty The Bird Bath Water is a necessary ingredient for hydration and building hornet nests. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 3 Sep. 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