noun
hun
huhn
noun
1
A member of the nomadic people who invaded Europe from Central Asia in the 4th and 5th centuries.
"The Huns, led by Attila, struck fear across the Roman Empire."
2
(dated, derogatory) A destructive, uncivilized person, or (historically, as wartime slang) a German.
"British propaganda posters during WWI referred to German soldiers as "Huns.""
How to Use Hun
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHistorically, one of the Hunnic warriors from Central Asia; also an old, offensive nickname for a German or for a vandal.
When to use it
The "German" and "vandal" senses are dated and can be offensive — best avoided in modern use.
Word Forms
huns plural, Huns plural, Huns plural
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The _____, led by Attila, struck fear across the Roman Empire.
Etymology
From the name of the historical Hunnic people; later used as wartime slang for Germans, and, more loosely, for anyone destructive.