Definition

A large, aggressive wasp with a painful sting, typically with a black and white or brown and white striped body, known for building large paper nests.

Example Usage

A hornet flew into the kitchen and we carefully opened the windows to let it escape.

Origin

From Old English 'hyrnet,' related to Old Saxon 'hornot' and Old High German 'hornaz,' possibly derived from 'horn' due to the insect's pointed abdomen.

Fun Fact

Bald-faced hornets, despite their name, are actually a type of wasp, not true hornets, and their nests can contain hundreds of individuals.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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