beak

noun

ˈbēk 

1

a

: the bill of a bird

especially : a strong short broad bill

b(1)

: the elongated sucking mouth of some insects (such as the true bugs)

(2)

: any of various rigid projecting mouth structures (as of a turtle)

c

: the human nose

2

: a pointed structure or formation:

a

: a metal-pointed beam projecting from the bow especially of an ancient galley for piercing an enemy ship

b

: the spout of a vessel

c

: a continuous slight architectural projection ending in an arris see molding illustration

d

: a process suggesting the beak of a bird

3

chiefly British

a

: magistrate

b

: headmaster

beaked

ˈbēkt 

adjective

beaky

ˈbē-kē 

adjective

Synonyms

• bill
• neb
• nib

Examples of beak in a Sentence

the beak of a hawk

an actor with a big beak

Recent Examples on the Web

Bald Eagle Feared Injured Turns Out to Be Healthy, Just 'Too Fat to Fly' After Big Meal Known for its white head, yellow beak and brown body, the bald eagle is unique to North America. —Shyla Watson, People.com, 27 Dec. 2024

With its distinctive brown body, white head and yellow beak, the bald eagle grasps an olive branch and arrows in its talons on the seal, which is used on official documents, military uniform buttons and every U.S. passport. —Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 27 Dec. 2024

Adult males are known for their ornaments — brilliant scarlet plumage and beak that contrast sharply with a coal black mask. —Grrlscientist, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

Next, that beak was inserted into a Hypenea macrantha flower, which responded by flinging its own pollen onto the beak. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English bec, from Anglo-French, from Latin beccus, of Gaulish origin

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

beak

noun

ˈbēk 

1

a

: the bill of a bird

especially : the bill of a bird of prey adapted for striking and tearing

b

: any of various rigid mouth structures (as of a turtle) that stick out

also : the long sucking mouth of some insects

c

: the human nose

2

: a part shaped like a beak

beaked

ˈbēkt 

adjective