goshawk

noun

gos·​hawk ˈgäs-ˌhȯk 

: any of several long-tailed hawks with short rounded wings

especially : either of two large accipiters (Accipiter gentilis and A. atricapillus) of the northern hemisphere that is grayish-blue above with a barred white-and-gray underside and has a white stripe above and behind the eye

Examples of goshawk in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Other images on the shortlist include a decorator crab perching on a sea squirt, a gecko attempting to fight off a goshawk and a resting Weddell seal. —Jack Guy, CNN, 26 Nov. 2024

One hunting strategy of the southern pale chanting goshawk is to walk or run on the ground in pursuit of prey. —Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024

Buy Now 20 of 20 'H is for Hawk' by Helen MacDonald After her father's death, Macdonald adopts a goshawk named Mabel, whose fierce temperament often reflects the author's own grief. —Lizz Schumer, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024

But when Swanson released his goshawk — a raptor known for its fierceness — into the affected building, the birds didn’t budge. —New York Times, 23 June 2022

Word History

Etymology

Middle English goshawke, from Old English gōshafoc, from gōs goose + hafoc hawk

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

goshawk

noun

gos·​hawk ˈgäs-ˌhȯk 

: a hawk of northern forests that has a long tail and short wings and is noted for its powerful flight and vigor