A large, aggressive wasp that can give a painful sting.
From Middle English “hornet,” from Old English “hyrnet,” related to Old High German “hornaz.” The name may connect to “horn” because of the insect’s sharp stinger.
Hornets are actually a type of wasp, but bigger bodies and loud buzzing make them feel like flying alarms. The phrase “stir up a hornet’s nest” captures how one small action can trigger a big, angry reaction.
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