dehorn

verb

de·​horn (ˌ)dē-ˈhȯrn How to pronounce dehorn (audio)
dehorned; dehorning; dehorns

transitive verb

1
: to deprive of horns
2
: to prevent the growth of the horns of
dehorner noun

Examples of dehorn in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An article on Tuesday about black rhinos stated incorrectly the amount of territory lost by two rhinos after they were dehorned. New York Times, 14 June 2023 Wildlife managers first started to dehorn rhinos in Namibia in 1989. Byerik Stokstad, science.org, 12 June 2023 Before being released, the animals were dehorned, to discourage poachers from attacking them. Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, 26 July 2019 The total annual cost to the government would have been around 15 million francs, and dehorning would have still been allowed. Brian Blackstone, WSJ, 25 Nov. 2018 Unlike the rhinos dehorned on Hume’s ranch, those that cross paths with poachers do not walk away. Rachel Nuwer, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2016

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dehorn was in 1888

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dehorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dehorn. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!