great blue heron

noun

: a large slaty-blue American heron (Ardea herodias) that has a dark crown, showy plumes on the head and neck, is about 46 inches (117 centimeters) long, and includes a white morph see great white heron

Examples of great blue heron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Nearby, a great blue heron stood motionless in shallow water. Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2024 On the other side of the island a great blue heron dips its dagger-like beak into the water. Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2024 Speeding across the lake with the throttle pushed to the max proved exhilarating, but entering the Dora Canal provided a serene, shady respite from the open sun with towering cypress trees and plenty of birds to spot — including a limpkin, great blue herons, anhingas, great egrets and more. Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 14 July 2024 There is also habitat to support great blue herons, green herons, egrets, kingfishers and many different songbirds. Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 28 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for great blue heron 

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of great blue heron was in 1835

Dictionary Entries Near great blue heron

Cite this Entry

“Great blue heron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/great%20blue%20heron. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

great blue heron

noun
: a large grayish blue American heron with a crest of dark feathers on its head

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