honk

American  

[hongk, hawngk] / hɒŋk, hɔŋk /

noun

1. the cry of a goose.

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

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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 British  

/ 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

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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

Etymology

Origin of honk

An Americanism dating back to 1790–1800; imitative

Example Sentences

A fractious council meeting in December was disrupted by motorists honking their car horns outside, while a man was ejected for barracking councillors with shouts of "shame" after it got under way.

From BBC

He was the meanest old goose that ever honked a honk.

From Literature

I woke to the sound of horses braying and geese honking.

From Literature

Many drivers honked or waved to show support for the rally.

From Barron's

The sea lions were on their rocks, coughing, barking, honking, all the usual sea lion conversation, but Nim interrupted, shouting and waving her arms.

From Literature

Related Words

• beep
• blare