horn
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.a hard, pointed part that grows on the head of animals like cows, goats, or deer.
n.a permanent, typically paired, bony projection on the head of various mammals, consisting of a keratin sheath over a core of bone.
Simple“The bull lowered its horns and began to charge across the field.”
In context“The rhinoceros is frequently targeted by poachers who seek to sell its horn on the black market for its supposed medicinal properties.”
Synonymsantlertusk - 02 B1 Intermediate
n.a musical instrument made of metal that you play by blowing into it.
n.any of various brass wind instruments, specifically the French horn or, more generally, any brass instrument in a jazz or orchestral context.
Simple“She plays the horn in the school orchestra every Tuesday.”
In context“The jazz ensemble featured a powerful horn section that provided a sharp contrast to the melodic piano solo.”
- 03 A2 Elementary
n.the device on a vehicle that makes a loud noise to warn other people.
n.an acoustic signaling device on a motor vehicle used to warn others of the vehicle's approach or presence.
Simple“The driver honked his horn because the car in front wasn't moving.”
In context“In many crowded cities, the constant blaring of car horns contributes significantly to the overall level of noise pollution.”
- 04 C1 Advanced
n.a slang word for a telephone.
n.a slang term for a telephone, often used in the phrase 'on the horn'.
Simple“I was on the horn with my boss for over an hour this morning.”
In context“He spent the entire afternoon on the horn trying to negotiate a better deal with the suppliers before the contract expired.”
- 05 C2 Proficiency
n.a very informal and rude way to talk about a man being sexually excited.
n.a vulgar slang term referring to a penile erection.
Simple“He made a crude joke about having a horn.”
In context“The film was criticized for its reliance on low-brow humor and constant references to the protagonist's horn.”
- 06 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a piece of land that sticks out into the sea.
n.a peninsula or a curved, projecting tract of land.
Simple“The ship sailed around the horn of the island to reach the harbor.”
In context“The Horn of Africa is a strategically significant region that oversees some of the world's busiest shipping lanes.”
- 07 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to use the horn of a car to make a noise.
v.to sound a vehicle's horn; primarily used in specific regional dialects.
Simple“Don't horn so loudly; you will wake up the neighbors.”
In context“The taxi driver continued to horn incessantly at the pedestrians who were blocking the narrow intersection.”
UsageCommon in Indian and Singaporean English.
“In her Horn Concerto, the soloist is amplified by the orchestral horns who eventually surround the stage and the audience.”
“Mark Edwards says he will now beep his horn in the evenings, as he cannot play his music.”