Meaning & Definition of word "Horn"
Horn
/hɔrn/
noun:
- 1. A hard, permanent outgrowth, often curved and pointed, found in pairs on the heads of many animals.
- Example: The bull charged with its sharp horns lowered, ready to defend its territory.
- 2. A conical instrument that produces musical tones when blown into.
- Example: The trumpet is a brass horn that is popular in jazz music.
- 3. A signal device that produces a loud sound, often used in vehicles.
- Example: He honked the car horn to alert the pedestrian to move.
- 4. A device used for signaling, often a loud and abrupt sound.
- Example: The ship's horn blared as it departed from the harbor.
- 5. The outer shell of certain marine mollusks, resembling a horn in shape.
- Example: He collected a beautiful conch shell, which resembled a spiraled horn.
verb:
- 1. To sound a horn, typically to signal or alert.
- Example: She horned the car to let the cyclist know she was coming.
Etymology
●Middle English, from Old English 'horn', related to similar words in German and Dutch.
Common Phrases and Expressions
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.
Related Words
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.
Slang Meanings of horn
Meaning: Horny
● Example Sentence: He was feeling horned up after watching the movie.
Meaning: Horn dog
● Example Sentence: He's such a horn dog; he's always chasing after girls.