noun
husk
huhsk
Husk (noun) means the dry outer covering of certain fruits, seeds, or vegetables, such as corn. Example: “She peeled back the husk to check if the corn was ripe.”
noun
1
The dry outer covering of certain fruits, seeds, or vegetables, such as corn.
"She peeled back the husk to check if the corn was ripe."
2
Any dried-up, hollow, or worthless outer shell of something.
"After the fire, only a husk of the old building remained."
verb
1
To remove the husk from something.
"They spent the afternoon husking corn on the porch."
How to use husk
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe outer covering of certain crops, or figuratively, an empty shell of something that used to have substance.
Common pairings
husk of corn
husk a crop
a mere husk
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Word forms
- Plural
- husks
- Third person singular
- husks
- Past tense
- husked
Fill the gap
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She peeled back the _____ to check if the corn was ripe.
Etymology
From Middle English huske, likely related to an Old English word for a small covering or sheath.
Related words
Rhymes for husk
See all rhymes for husk →Frequently asked questions
What does “husk” mean?
The word “husk” means the dry outer covering of certain fruits, seeds, or vegetables, such as corn. In plain terms, the outer covering of certain crops, or figuratively, an empty shell of something that used to have substance.
How do you pronounce “husk”?
“Husk” is pronounced huhsk (/hʌsk/ in IPA).
How do you use “husk” in a sentence?
Here is “husk” used in a sentence: “She peeled back the husk to check if the corn was ripe.”
What part of speech is “husk”?
Depending on how it is used, “husk” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “husk” come from?
The word “husk” comes from Old English. From Middle English huske, likely related to an Old English word for a small covering or sheath.
How many meanings does “husk” have?
“Husk” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the dry outer covering of certain fruits, seeds, or vegetables, such as corn.
