honk
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /hɔŋk/
KK: /hɔŋk/
intransitive verb
Definition
To make a short, loud sound, typically like the noise made by a goose or a car horn.
Example
The car honked as it passed by.
Tense Forms
Past: honked
Past Participle: honked
Conversation
Did you hear that car honk just now?
Yeah, it sounded really loud!
I wonder what made it honk like that.
Maybe someone was driving too close to it.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
toot
beep
blare
Antonyms
silence
muffle
hush
noun
Definition
A loud sound made by a vehicle's horn or the cry of a goose.
Example
The car made a loud honk as it passed by.
Conversation
Did you hear that loud honk from the car earlier?
Yeah, it was so sudden!
I wonder if something went wrong with the driver.
transitive verb
Definition
To make a short, loud sound with a horn, usually to signal or alert someone.
Example
He honked the horn to let the pedestrians know to move out of the way.
Tense Forms
Past: honked
Past Participle: honked
Conversation
Did you hear that car honk just now?
Yeah, it startled me!
I wonder what made them honk like that.
Root Explanation
The word 'honk' originates from the Dutch word 'honk', meaning to make a sound or noise, particularly associated with the honking of a goose. It describes the sound made by a vehicle's horn or a goose.
Memory Tip
Think of the sound a goose makes — that's why 'honk' refers to a loud noise, especially from a car horn.
Visually Confused Words
hon