What does hornet mean?
A hornet is a large, often black-and-yellow wasp known for its painful sting and intimidating buzz. In everyday use, the word usually refers to a true hornet, although it may also be applied more loosely to large wasps that resemble one. Hornets are frequently associated with nests, swarms, and aggressive defensive behavior, which has made them a familiar subject of warnings and expressions such as “raising a hornet's nest.” Unlike a honeybee, a hornet can sting more than once, so encounters with one are best avoided rather than handled directly. Figuratively, a hornet may describe a forceful, energetic, or persistent person. The word is familiar in British and American English, with the main pronunciation difference occurring in the vowel of the second syllable.
nounA large, often black-and-yellow wasp with a prominent sting. Hornets belong to the wasp family and are generally more aggressive than many smaller wasps.
- A large wasp with a painful sting, often marked with black, yellow, or reddish-brown coloration.
- A hornet-like wasp in other contexts, especially in regional or colloquial usage.
"A hornet repeatedly stung the gardener as she tried to remove the nest from the hedge."
"The sudden buzz of a hornet made everyone pause outside the picnic."
"Raising a hornet's nest can be dangerous and should be left to a professional."
The regular plural is used for individual insects or multiple hornets; a group may be called a swarm or a nest.
"Several hornets were circling the tree."
Unlike a honeybee, which can usually sting only once, a hornet can sting repeatedly.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hornet come from?
The modern English word comes from Middle English and ultimately from an Old English form. Its development is associated with the wider family of words connected to “horn,” although the precise historical path is not entirely straightforward. Related words in English include “horned” and “hornbill,” both of which preserve the same broader horn connection.
How hornet is actually used
The term is used fairly generally for large, intimidating wasps, though in strict biological usage it refers to members of the true hornet group. It can also be used figuratively for a persistent or forceful person.
Easily confused with hornet
A hornet is a particular kind of relatively large wasp, whereas wasp is the broader term for wasps of many sizes and appearances.