aquiline

adjective

aq·​ui·​line ˈa-kwə-ˌlīn 

-lən

1

: curving like an eagle's beak

an aquiline nose

2

: of, relating to, or resembling an eagle

aquilinity

ˌa-kwə-ˈli-nə-tē 

noun

Did you know?

Aquiline, from the Latin word meaning "eagle", is most often used to describe a nose that has a broad curve and is slightly hooked, like a beak. The aquiline figure on the U.S. seal brandishes the arrows of war and the olive branch of peace. The word for eagle itself, Aquila, has been given to a constellation in the northern hemisphere.

Examples of aquiline in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

No two coins are quite alike, but in many, the most prominent features are an aquiline nose and a jutting chin. —Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 11 Jan. 2021

The twinkling eyes, the aquiline nose, the trademark goatee limned in bits of bread and butter. —Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2022

Pessoa had the aquiline Semitic features of his late father’s side, which included Jewish conversos frog-marched into Christianity during the Inquisition. —Benjamin Kunkel, Harper's Magazine, 26 Oct. 2021

The lean face, aquiline nose, piercing eyes — all are here from the beginning. —Michael Dirda, Washington Post, 19 June 2019

Word History

Etymology

Latin aquilinus, from aquila eagle

First Known Use

1571, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

aquiline

adjective

aq·​ui·​line ˈak-wə-ˌlīn 

-lən

1

: of or resembling an eagle

2

: curving like an eagle's beak

an aquiline nose

aquilinity

ˌak-wə-ˈlin-ət-ē 

noun