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
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Their wings differ as well, with turkey vultures' longer, narrower wings black and gray and black vultures having black wings with silver tips. Phaedra Trethan, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025 Black vultures, as their name indicates, have black coloring on their heads, while turkey vultures' heads are bright red (like wild turkeys). Phaedra Trethan, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025 Black vultures also are more aggressive than turkey vultures. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2025 And turkey vultures occasionally cover the roof of their home. Ames Alexander, Charlotte Observer, 26 Jan. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Turkey vulture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turkey%20vulture. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

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

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