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

The Blacks have two unclear shields, the Stark wolf, the Arryn falcon, the Velaryon seahorse, the Tully fish, the Frey towers, the Beesbury bees, and the swordfish of House Bar Emmon. —Alexis Nedd, IndieWire, 17 June 2024

Peregrine falcons have made a comeback in the U.S. after large populations declines hit the species in the mid ‘90s due to pesticide contamination affected their ability to reproduce. —Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 2 Apr. 2024

In a different show, the falcon metaphor could feel like the writers are picking it up and slapping us across the face with it. —Jesse Raub, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2024

In the case of the falcons, which live in a place in which food resources are more available in some seasons than in others, playing with objects might reveal an unexpected nutrient source. —Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 5 June 2024

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

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