DictionaryAI

horny

adjective
USHOR-nee/ˈhoɹni/UKHAW-nee/ˈhɔːni/

Formshornier, horniest

4 meanings of horny

Practice

  1. 1
    sexual desireadjectiveslang
    Feeling sexually excited, or wanting to have sex.

    He felt horny after watching the romantic movie.

    Some medicines can make people feel less horny.

    UsageOK with friends, but not in polite or formal talk.

    Similararoused, randy, lustful, frisky, hot

    Note
  2. 2
    hard and bonyadjective
    Hard and thick like an animal's horn, as skin can become after years of hard work.

    The old fisherman had horny hands from pulling ropes all day.

    The turtle pulled its head back under its horny shell.

    Similarcallused, hard, tough, leathery

    Oppositesoft

    Note
  3. 3
    sexyadjectiveslang
    Making people feel sexually excited.

    Her friends all fancied the new boy and said he was well horny.

    The ad tried to be horny but ended up funny.

    Similararousing, hot, alluring, desirable, attractive

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 4
    with head spikesadjective
    Having horns.

    We found a horny toad sitting on a warm rock.

    The horny toad puffed up its spiky body to scare the dog.

    UsageMostly in horny toad. For other animals, say horned.

    Similarhorned

    Oppositehornless

    Note

Practice

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Origins

Meanings 2, 4

From horn + -y.

Meanings 1, 3

From horn, 18th-century slang for an erection, plus -y. Today it means sexual desire in anyone.

Checked 30 Oct 2026 · 1 fact