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noun Uncommon

hun

huhn

Hun (noun) means a member of the nomadic people who invaded Europe from Central Asia in the 4th and 5th centuries. Example: “The Huns, led by Attila, struck fear across the Roman Empire.”

noun
1
A member of the nomadic people who invaded Europe from Central Asia in the 4th and 5th centuries.
"The Huns, led by Attila, struck fear across the Roman Empire."
2
(dated, derogatory) A destructive, uncivilized person, or (historically, as wartime slang) a German.
"British propaganda posters during WWI referred to German soldiers as "Huns.""

How to use hun

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHistorically, one of the Hunnic warriors from Central Asia; also an old, offensive nickname for a German or for a vandal.

When to use it

The "German" and "vandal" senses are dated and can be offensive — best avoided in modern use.

Word forms

huns plural, Huns plural, Huns plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____, led by Attila, struck fear across the Roman Empire.

Etymology

From the name of the historical Hunnic people; later used as wartime slang for Germans, and, more loosely, for anyone destructive.

Origin: German

Rhymes for hun

See all rhymes for hun →

Frequently asked questions

What does “hun” mean?

The word “hun” means a member of the nomadic people who invaded Europe from Central Asia in the 4th and 5th centuries. In plain terms, historically, one of the Hunnic warriors from Central Asia; also an old, offensive nickname for a German or for a vandal.

How do you pronounce “hun”?

“Hun” is pronounced huhn (/hʌn/ in IPA).

How do you use “hun” in a sentence?

Here is “hun” used in a sentence: “The Huns, led by Attila, struck fear across the Roman Empire.”

What part of speech is “hun”?

“Hun” is a noun.

Where does the word “hun” come from?

The word “hun” comes from German. From the name of the historical Hunnic people; later used as wartime slang for Germans, and, more loosely, for anyone destructive.

Is “hun” a common word?

“Hun” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “hun” have?

“Hun” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a member of the nomadic people who invaded Europe from Central Asia in the 4th and 5th centuries.

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