honk

[hongk, hawngk]

noun

1. the cry of a goose.

2. any similar sound, as of an automobile horn.

verb (used without object)

1. to emit a honk.

2. to cause an automobile horn to sound.

   He drove up in front of the house and honked.

verb (used with object)

1. to cause (an automobile horn) to sound.

   The driver honked his horn impatiently.

honk

/ hɒŋk /

noun

1. a representation of the sound made by a goose

2. any sound resembling this, esp a motor horn

3. slang,  a bad smell

verb

1. to make or cause (something) to make such a sound

2. (intr) a slang word for vomit

3. slang,  to have a bad smell

Word History and Origins

Origin of honk¹

An Americanism dating back to 1790–1800; imitative

Example Sentences

The rhythmic pounding of drums producing samba and reggae beats soundtracked the party on the streets alongside the constant honking of car horns.

Read more on BBC

Passing cars honked in salute, with one passenger rolling down her window and shouting, “The kidnapped are returning!”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

We hear honking horns and spontaneous street music.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The women said passersby offered them a mixture of “some middle fingers” and supportive honks as they held signs that read, among other things, “Would your grandma approve?”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

They chanted, drummed and urged passersby to honk before blocking the street entirely.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• beep 
• blare