honk

American  

[hongk, hawngk] / hɒŋk, hɔŋk /

noun

1. the cry of a goose.

2. any similar sound, as of an automobile horn.

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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

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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

Sign-toting protesters lined Colorado Boulevard, drawing a constant stream of honking from the cars driving by.

From Los Angeles Times

He said groups of armed security forces who have "taken control of the streets" drive through Tehran at night "honking and carrying flags".

From Barron's

My mom, irritated, honked the horn, and my dad stepped on the gas.

From Los Angeles Times

“The kids used to roll by and they’d do the arm thing to get you to honk the horn,” Shearer said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Only the military convoys and ambulances were able to find a way through, honking their horns at us, waving us all aside.

From Literature

Related Words

• beep
• blare