talon

noun

tal·​on ˈta-lən How to pronounce talon (audio)
1
a
: the claw of an animal and especially of a bird of prey
b
: a finger or hand of a human being
2
: a part or object shaped like or suggestive of a heel or claw: such as
a
: an ogee molding
b
: the shoulder of the bolt of a lock on which the key acts to shoot the bolt
3
a
: cards laid aside in a pile in solitaire
taloned adjective

Examples of talon in a Sentence

The hawk gripped the mouse in its talons.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The two eagles fought in flight, talon to talon, over a single shad when there were hundreds of shad in the river below. Dan Rodricks, Baltimore Sun, 26 Nov. 2024 Erivo’s talon nails have been on display during her tour to promote Wicked alongside Ariana Grande. Daniel S. Levine, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024 Cynthia Erivo doesn’t think her talon nails get in the way of her bathroom duties. Daniel S. Levine, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024 Having this remarkable 15-pound bird perched on my glove with its 5-inch talons wrapped around my wrist was a profound moment that reminded me of Jim Fowler’s connection with this majestic species and his lifelong passion for wildlife conservation. Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for talon 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English taloun heel, hind claw of a bird of prey, from Anglo-French talun, from Vulgar Latin *talon-, *talo, from Latin talus ankle, anklebone

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of talon was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near talon

Cite this Entry

“Talon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/talon. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

talon

noun
tal·​on ˈtal-ən How to pronounce talon (audio)
: the claw of an animal and especially of a bird of prey

Medical Definition

talon

noun
tal·​on ˈtal-ən How to pronounce talon (audio)
: the crushing region of the crown of an upper molar

More from Merriam-Webster on talon

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