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Synonyms

honker

1 American  
[hong-ker, hawng-] / ˈhɒŋ kər, ˈhɔŋ- /

noun

  1. a person or thing that honks.

    Some motorists are calm and polite, but others are impatient honkers.

  2. Informal. a goose.

    This pond will be a real hot spot when migratory honkers arrive with colder weather.

  3. Slang. a big nose.

    He was really quite attractive, if you looked past that honker.


honker 2 American  
[hong-ker, hawng-] / ˈhɒŋ kər, ˈhɔŋ- /

noun

Slang: Disparaging and Offensive.
  1. honky.


honker British  
/ ˈhɒŋkə /

noun

  1. a person or thing that honks

  2. an informal name for the Canada goose

  3. slang a nose, esp a large nose

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of honker1

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45; honk + -er 1

Origin of honker2

Perhaps honk(y) + -er 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Before Smith's all-time honker of a dismissal on the second day, England were 323-5 in their first innings.

From BBC • Jan. 6, 2026

The latter is responsible for, say, successfully navigating a complex intersection as the honker to your left and the merger on your right vie for your attention.

From Slate • Nov. 26, 2025

She thinks it may have supernatural roots, and she’s proven right when from the earth rises a mountain-high troll covered in moss and dirt, with a big honker, long tail and a bad attitude.

From New York Times • Dec. 9, 2022

To achieve honker status, feed at least 3 times per year with organic, high-nitrogen lawn fertilizer.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 24, 2016

This is the honker from Zaire, or maybe its twin sister.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston

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