falcon

noun

fal·​con ˈfal-kən  ˈfȯl- 

 also  ˈfȯ-kən

1

: any of various hawks trained for use in falconry

especially : peregrine falcon

—used technically only of a female compare tiercel

2

: any of various hawks (family Falconidae) that have long pointed wings, a long tail, and a notched beak and that usually inhabit open areas

Illustration of falcon

• 1 hood
• 2 jess
• 3 gauntlet

Examples of falcon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In one of the most successful conservation efforts in American history, the Environmental Protection Agency banned DDT in 1972, ruling that widespread use of the pesticide was crippling falcons’ — in addition to bald eagles’ — ability to reproduce. —Chase Hunter, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025

Springtime is also the perfect time to cast off with fly fishing and falcon watching. —Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2025

The University of Minnesota Raptor Center will present a program featuring a bald eagle and a variety of owls, hawks and falcons. —Meghan Davy Sandvold, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2025

The falcon was taken in by a wildlife care team, and its wounds will be treated and dressed, officials said. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 6 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English faucoun, falcon, from Anglo-French faucon, from Late Latin falcon-, falco, probably from Latin falc-, falx

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing falcon

• falcon-gentle
• peregrine falcon

Rhymes for falcon

• alkyne
• malkin

Kids Definition

falcon

noun

fal·​con ˈfal-kən  ˈfȯl- 

 also  ˈfȯ-kən

1

: a hawk trained for use in falconry

2

: any of various swift hawks with long pointed wings, a long tail, and a notch on the upper half of the beak for killing prey