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

Noun

• armor
• capsule
• case
• casing
• cocoon
• cover
• covering
• encasement
• housing
• hull
• jacket
• pod
• sheath
• shell

Verb

• bark
• flay
• hull
• peel
• shell
• shuck
• skin

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

The near silences are fulsome: A light wind rustles a pine tree, and corn husks make that unmistakable scratching sound. —Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 1 Feb. 2025

When the garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the cloves from their papery husks and add them to the cauliflower. —Kelly Brant, arkansasonline.com, 28 Jan. 2025

Verb

Ingredients 4 ears fresh yellow corn, husked, silks removed 2 tsp. —Julia Levy, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2023

The Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, for example, lets guests husk coconuts, take ukulele and hula lessons, and rent GoPro cameras as part of its $50 daily resort fee. —Catherine Garcia, The Week, 8 Apr. 2023

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

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