husk

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈhəsk How to pronounce husk (audio)
Synonyms of husknext
1
a
: a usually dry or membranous outer covering (such as a pod or one composed of bracts) of various seeds and fruits (such as barley and corn) : hull
also : one of the constituent parts
b
: a carob pod
2
a
: an outer layer : shell
b
: an emptied shell : remnant
c
: a supporting framework

husk

2 of 3

verb

husked; husking; husks

transitive verb

: to strip the husk from
husker noun

husker

3 of 3

noun (2)

husk·​er
ˈhəskə(r)
plural -s
: one that husks: such as
a
: a participant in a cornhusking
b
: husking glove
c
: husker-shredder

Synonyms of husk

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Noun (1)

Verb

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Examples of husk in a Sentence

Noun (1) a high stone wall is the husk that protects the actor from prying curiosity seekers Verb the tedious task of husking coconuts
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
For years, the building had stood as the hollow husk of a former 7-Eleven, boarded up with plywood and enclosed by a chain-link fence. — Noe Padilla, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 Grill, covered, until husks are charred and kernels are tender and browned in spots, 15 to 18 minutes, turning occasionally. — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2026
Verb
Meanwhile, working one at a time, cut kernels off 4 large ears of corn, husked, and transfer to a large bowl. — Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 June 2026 Just husk the corn, remove the silk and grill those cobs naked so they’re lightly charred, sweet, slightly crisp with a roasty popcorn taste. — Beth Dooley, Boston Herald, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for husk

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1562, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of husk was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing husk

Rhymes for husk

See All Rhymes for husk

Browse Nearby Words

husi
husk
huskanaw
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Husk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/husk. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

husk

1 of 2 noun
ˈhəsk How to pronounce husk (audio)
1
: a usually thin dry outer covering of various seeds or fruits (as barley and corn) : hull
2
: an outer layer : shell

husk

2 of 2 verb
: to strip the husk from
husker noun

Medical Definition

husk

noun
ˈhəsk How to pronounce husk (audio)
: hoose
an outbreak of husk was observed in a flock of 200 sheep—Veterinary Bulletin

More from Merriam-Webster on husk

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about husk

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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