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

What is the difference between a wasp and a hornet? —Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 16 Aug. 2024

Other similar hornets have previously made headlines after they were spotted in Georgia, such as the yellow-legged hornet. —Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 5 Dec. 2024

The scientists behind the recent study think the hornets likely first arrived on a cargo ship. —Randi Richardson, NBC News, 5 Dec. 2024

The yellowjackets, paper wasps, hornets, and even honey bees are wandering around looking for easy-to-lick spots of honeydew and ignoring the lanternflies themselves. —Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 7 Nov. 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