Dictionary.com

husk

[ huhsk ]
/ hʌsk /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for: husk / husked / husking / husks on Thesaurus.com

noun
the dry external covering of certain fruits or seeds, especially of an ear of corn.
the enveloping or outer part of anything, especially when dry or worthless.
verb (used with object)
to remove the husk from.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?

Origin of husk

1350–1400; Middle English huske, equivalent to hus- (akin to Old English hosu pod, husk) + -ke, weak variant of -ock

OTHER WORDS FROM husk

husker, nounhusklike, adjectiveun·husked, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use husk in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for husk (1 of 2)

husk1
/ (hʌsk) /

noun
the external green or membranous covering of certain fruits and seeds
any worthless outer covering
verb
(tr) to remove the husk from

Derived forms of husk

husker, nounhusklike, adjective

Word Origin for husk

C14: probably based on Middle Dutch huusken little house, from hūs house; related to Old English hosu husk, hūs house

British Dictionary definitions for husk (2 of 2)

husk2

noun
bronchitis in cattle, sheep, and goats, usually caused by lungworm infestation
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
FEEDBACK