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

The winner heads into another hornet’s nest against the Toronto Blue Jays in an AL Division Series on Saturday. —Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 30 Sep. 2025

Don't miss these Wauwatosa's new troll sculpture has become a new home for a bold group of hornets. —Steven Martinez, jsonline.com, 28 Aug. 2025

The hornet’s head is mostly black with some front-facing yellow or orange and black eyes. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 27 Aug. 2025

Key matchups continue flashing by in the chaos, including Bridges — flying through the air with wings resembling a hornet — appearing to take down the Golden Gate Bridge to show their game against the Warriors, and then extinguishes the fire to resemble their March 6 matchup against the Miami Heat. —Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 18 Aug. 2025

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

Rhymes for hornet

• cornett

Kids Definition

hornet

noun

hor·​net ˈhȯr-nət 

: any of the larger wasps that live in colonies