honk

American  

[hongk, hawngk] / hɒŋk, hɔŋk /

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 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

---

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

Hundreds of honking tractors rolled into Madrid on Wednesday as Spanish farmers staged a protest against the European Union’s trade deal with four South American countries.

From Barron's

Out in the hallway, the raucous chatter of teenagers echoed in the halls, and cars honked on the busy street outside to pick them up.

From Los Angeles Times

Mom honked the horn at him—three light, happy honks—and then she drove away.

From Literature

Speakers drew cheers as demonstrators made noise with plastic horns and held up posters, cars driving by honking.

From Los Angeles Times

They walked for more than 2.5 hours to the Long Beach Civic Center, chanting as cars honked in support.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• beep
• blare