tern

noun

ˈtərn 

: any of various chiefly marine birds (subfamily Sterninae of the family Laridae and especially genus Sterna) that differ from the related gulls in usually smaller size, a more slender build, a sharply pointed bill, narrower wings, and an often forked tail

Illustration of tern

Examples of tern in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Whiskered tern suffered a hard, head-first crash landing on this rock. —Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

In all, birders on the October tour spotted (or overheard) 78 different bird species: Royal terns, buffleheads, trumpeter swans, American-Golden plovers. —Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 3 Nov. 2024

During their journey, terns must watch out for raptors and gulls that might prey on them. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024

The refuge’s dunes and salt marshes are a birder’s paradise with species like bald eagles, terns, songbirds, and various waterfowl migrating in and out throughout the year. —Madeline Weinfield, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

of Scandinavian origin; akin to Danish terne tern

First Known Use

1678, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing tern

• arctic tern
• least tern
• roseate tern
• sooty tern

Kids Definition

tern

noun

ˈtərn 

: any of numerous sea birds that often have a forked tail, black cap, and white or gray body and that in comparison to the related gulls have a smaller and slenderer body and bill and narrower wings