Horn

/hɔrn/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A hard, permanent outgrowth, often curved and pointed, found in pairs on the heads of many animals.

The bull charged with its sharp horns lowered, ready to defend its territory.

A conical instrument that produces musical tones when blown into.

The trumpet is a brass horn that is popular in jazz music.

A signal device that produces a loud sound, often used in vehicles.

He honked the car horn to alert the pedestrian to move.

A device used for signaling, often a loud and abrupt sound.

The ship's horn blared as it departed from the harbor.

The outer shell of certain marine mollusks, resembling a horn in shape.

He collected a beautiful conch shell, which resembled a spiraled horn.

verb

To sound a horn, typically to signal or alert.

She horned the car to let the cyclist know she was coming.

Middle English, from Old English 'horn', related to similar words in German and Dutch.

to blow one's own horn

To boast or brag about one's achievements.

horned in

To intrude or interfere in an unwanted manner.

on the horn of a dilemma

Facing a difficult choice between two options.

antler

A deciduous horn on a male deer, consisting of dendritic bony structures.

brass

A family of instruments made of brass, including the horn.

bugle

A brass instrument similar to a trumpet, without valves, used especially for military signals.

Horny

He was feeling horned up after watching the movie.

Horn dog

He's such a horn dog; he's always chasing after girls.