hornet

Everyday

A hornet is a large wasp with a powerful sting, often yellow and brown or black. tree →

In the lessons

In science, hornets build paper nests and catch other insects. In safety lessons: keep away from nests and stay calm; people allergic to stings need help fast. «Stir up a hornet's nest» means cause a lot of trouble and anger.

Examples

• A hornet buzzed around the picnic table. tree →
• Hornets build nests made of chewed wood. tree →
• Don't swat a hornet — walk away calmly. tree →
• His question stirred up a hornet's nest. tree →
• The hornet's sting really hurt. tree →
• Asian hornets attack honeybees. tree →
• But the willow-wren sent down the hornet, with orders to settle beneath the fox’s tail, and sting with all his might. tree →

Note

Countable. A hornet is a type of wasp, bigger than common wasps. «Hornet's nest» idiom = angry trouble.

In Jewish tradition

The hornet is a stinging insect that God promises to send before Israel to drive out the nations of Canaan.

Interpretation. Some commentators take it literally as stinging insects, and others as a picture of fear and panic sent by God.

Examples

• And I will send the hornet before thee, which shall drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite, from before thee. (Torah EXO.23.28, JPS 1917) tree →
• Moreover the LORD thy God will send the hornet among them, until they that are left, and they that hide themselves, perish from before thee. (Torah DEU.7.20, JPS 1917) tree →
• And I sent the hornet before you, which drove them out from before you, even the two kings of the Amorites; not with thy sword, nor with thy bow. (Prophets JOS.24.12, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable. A hornet is a type of wasp, bigger than common wasps. «Hornet's nest» idiom = angry trouble.