# horny

/ˈhɔɹni/ (US) · /hˈɔːni/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/horny
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 2. hard or bony

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

hard and tough, like the material of an animal's horn.

For teachers: consisting of or resembling horn; having a hard, callous, or bony texture.

- The lizard has a horny layer of skin that protects it from the dry desert heat.
- The specimen was identified by the horny protrusions along its spine, which serve as a primary defense mechanism against larger predators.

### 3. having horns

adjective · CEFR C2 · Literary

having horns on the head.

For teachers: bearing horns or horn-like appendages.

- The old stories describe a horny beast that lived deep in the forest.
- Ancient myths often depict the deity as a horny figure, symbolising both wild nature and fertility.

## Examples

- He felt horny after watching that romantic movie.
- The couple joked about feeling horny after being apart for several weeks.
- The protagonist's internal monologue is often interrupted by horny impulses that contrast sharply with his otherwise serious and intellectual public persona.

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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.