# Horner

/ˈhɔɹnɝ/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/horner
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

someone who makes things out of animal horns, like spoons or combs. It is an old-fashioned job that you mostly see in history books or as a last name.

For teachers: an artisan who works in horn to produce objects such as spoons, combs, or musical instruments. Primarily encountered as an occupational surname or in historical contexts.

## Examples

- The local horner made a beautiful set of spoons.
- In the medieval village, the horner was a vital craftsman who turned cattle horns into useful household items.
- While the trade of the horner has largely vanished in the industrial age, the surname remains a common vestige of this once-essential manual craft.

## Usage notes

- Often appears as a proper noun when used as a surname.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.