husk

1 of 2

noun

ˈhəsk 

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

husk

2 of 2

verb

husked; husking; husks

transitive verb

: to strip the husk from

husker noun

Synonyms of husk

Noun

• sheath
• casing
• shell
• hull
• housing

Verb

• peel
• bark

Examples of husk in a Sentence

Noun

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

Verb

the tedious task of husking coconuts

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Shafts of sunlight mingle with the earthy scent of winter wheat, barley, and sunflower husks – the latest harvest, gathered by an aging but agile crew in Odesa. — Dominique Soguel, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Nov. 2026

Foliage rustles in the autumn wind here, and where there aren’t corn husks swaying, there are flat, lonely expanses of dirt where crops have been harvested. — Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026

Verb

Meanwhile, working one at a time, cut kernels off 4 large ears of corn, husked, and transfer to a large bowl. — Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 June 2026

Just husk the corn, remove the silk and grill those cobs naked so they’re lightly charred, sweet, slightly crisp with a roasty popcorn taste. — Beth Dooley, Boston Herald, 20 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1562, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing husk

• husk-tomato

Rhymes for husk

• brusque
• busk
• dusk
• musk
• tusk

Kids Definition

husk

1 of 2 noun

ˈhəsk 

1

: a usually thin dry outer covering of various seeds or fruits (as barley and corn) : hull

2

: an outer layer : shell

husk

2 of 2 verb

: to strip the husk from

husker noun

Medical Definition

husk

noun

ˈhəsk 

: hoose

an outbreak of husk was observed in a flock of 200 sheep

—Veterinary Bulletin