husk

noun \ ˈhəsk \

Updated on: 25 Apr 2018

Definition of husk

1 a : a usually dry or membranous outer covering (such as a pod or one composed of bracts) of various seeds and fruits (such as barley and corn) : hull; also : one of the constituent parts

b : a carob pod

2 a : an outer layer : shell

b : an emptied shell : remnant

c : a supporting framework

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Examples of husk in a Sentence

a high stone wall is the husk that protects the actor from prying curiosity seekers

Recent Examples of husk from the Web

The cubs became sluggish, experts say, withering away into weak, depressed husks.

— elaina zachos, National Geographic, "Exclusive: Fatal Disease Likely Found in Lion Cubs for First Time," 11 Apr. 2018
His Joe is a quiet, withdrawn, emptied-out husk of a man, with a scraggly gray beard, scars on his upper body and a talent for hurting people.

— justin chang, latimes.com, "Joaquin Phoenix descends into a hellish New York underworld in the haunting 'You Were Never Really Here'," 5 Apr. 2018
The husks can be easily removed with your hands and discarded.

— alex delany, Bon Appetit, "What Are Tomatillos, Anyway?," 26 Mar. 2018
In front of each rice processor’s storefront there were heaps of chaff, the almost weightless husk that is separated from the grains during the harvest.

— marcello rossi, Smithsonian, "How Climate Change is Fueling Innovation in Kenya," 12 Feb. 2018
Rinse husks of corn in cold water until thoroughly wet.

— the good housekeeping test kitchen, Good Housekeeping, "Mexican Grilled Corn," 13 June 2016
Networks think the husk has financial value, as Fox and NBC also looked into revival rights, but some question its profit potential considering production costs, judges' salaries and ratings projections. .

— bill keveney, USA TODAY, "News & views: Why former mega-hit 'American Idol' is one revival we didn't need," 8 Mar. 2018
Male sandhills might be seen tossing old corn husks in the air and performing a mating dance to attract a female.

— pat mcdonogh, The Courier-Journal, "Sandhill crane migration through Kentucky offers incredible sights and sounds," 16 Feb. 2018
And when Wentz went down, Reich was handed the empty husk known as Nick Foles and helped Foles become Super Bowl MVP.

— gregg doyel, Indianapolis Star, "Doyel: I love* Colts hire of Frank Reich, and doubters can kiss my asterisk," 11 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'husk.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.