turkey vulture

noun

: an American vulture (Cathartes aura) with a red head and whitish bill

called also turkey buzzard

Examples of turkey vulture 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.
She’s had to rescue plenty of owls and even a turkey vulture from soccer nets, and encourages people to take them down at the end of the day. Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2024 Although vultures have somewhat adapted to lead, Busby said people can help sustain the turkey vulture population by discontinuing the use of lead bullets. Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 22 Sep. 2024 Turns out a pair of baby turkey vultures had hatched recently. Steven Martinez, Journal Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2024 The megafauna didn’t survive that change, but smaller animals like coyotes, mule deer, raccoons and turkey vultures adapted and managed to hang on, and so did many plants. Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for turkey vulture 

Word History

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of turkey vulture was in 1823

Dictionary Entries Near turkey vulture

Cite this Entry

“Turkey vulture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turkey%20vulture. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

turkey vulture

noun
: an American vulture with a red head and whitish bill

called also turkey buzzard

More from Merriam-Webster on turkey vulture

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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