honk

1 of 2

verb

ˈhäŋk 

ˈhȯŋk

honked; honking; honks

intransitive verb

1

: to make the characteristic cry of a goose

2

: to make a sound resembling the cry of a goose

transitive verb

: to cause to honk

honk a horn

honk

2 of 2

noun

: the characteristic cry of a goose

also : a similar sound

Examples of honk in a Sentence

Verb

We could hear the geese honking overhead.

I honked at the car in front of me.

Noun

the honk of a horn

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Detectives determined that at the roundabout at East Rosedale Street and South Ayers Avenue, Langs stopped his car and honked at suspect Koby Burkhart’s white Chevy Equinox, which was in front of him. —Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Feb. 2025

The jubilant crowd at times blocked traffic entering or exiting the nearby Walmart parking lot, although many drivers did not seem to mind and honked in support. —Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025

Noun

In Oakland’s Fruitvale neighborhood Monday, more than 100 people chanted and waved flags from Latin American countries, inspiring honks and chants from those driving by. —Grant Stringer, The Mercury News, 3 Feb. 2025

The geese honk, the chickens squawk and the turkeys strut haughtily, unaware that Thanksgiving is nigh. —Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 8 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

imitative

First Known Use

Verb

1813, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

1813, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for honk

• bonk
• bronk
• cronk
• tonk

Kids Definition

honk

noun

ˈhäŋk,

ˈhȯŋk

: the cry of a goose

also : a similar sound (as of a horn)

honk verb