huckle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low Frequency / ObsoleteArchaic / Regional Dialect
Quick answer
What does “huckle” mean?
The hip or haunch.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The hip or haunch; a projecting part or joint, especially of an animal.
Primarily a dialectal or archaic term for the hip joint or haunch bone; can refer to a rounded, projecting part. Sometimes used in specific compounds like 'huckleberry' (a berry once thought to grow on such a projection).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally obsolete in both varieties. Historical British dialect use (e.g., West Country, Scotland) for 'hip'. In American English, almost exclusively known through the compound 'huckleberry'.
Connotations
In British dialects, it is a plain, rustic term. In American English, 'huckleberry' has cultural connotations from literature (e.g., Huckleberry Finn) and nature.
Frequency
Virtually never used in isolation in modern standard English of either variety.
Grammar
How to Use “huckle” in a Sentence
[the] huckle (of [an animal])Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical or dialectological texts.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used in modern technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “huckle”
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “huckle”
- Using 'huckle' as a modern synonym for 'hip'.
- Misspelling as 'hackle' or 'heckle'.
- Assuming 'huckle' in 'huckleberry' has a clear, current meaning.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered archaic or dialectal and is very rarely used in modern standard English.
Historically, it referred to the hip bone or, in some contexts, the talus (ankle bone) of an animal, used in games.
Only etymologically through folk association. 'Huckleberry' is derived from 'hurtleberry'. The 'huckle' part was later mistakenly linked to the word for 'hip'.
No. It is a word for recognition only, useful for understanding historical texts or dialects. Do not use it in active production.
The hip or haunch.
Huckle is usually archaic / regional dialect in register.
Huckle: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhʌk(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhəkəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A huckle above/beyond a persimmon (US, archaic): Something superior or a cut above.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of Huckleberry Finn sitting on his HUCKLE (hip) by the river.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PROJECTION is a HUCKLE (very limited, archaic).
Practice
Quiz
In which compound word does 'huckle' most famously survive?