falcon

IPA/ˈfɔːlkən/
KK[fˈælkən]IPA/ˈfælkən/

falcon — noun

  • falconsingular
  • falconsplural

1. a fast bird that feeds on smaller animals, with a short hooked beak and long nar

1.nounB1
Definition

a fast bird that feeds on smaller animals, with a short hooked beak and long narrow wings that come to a point, and that people sometimes train for hunting

Example

Kemi watched a falcon dive from the cliff to catch its prey.

Every morning at dawn, Ziad flies his falcon across the desert.

collocation: fly + falcon + across [area]

Common collocations
  • falcon dives
  • falcon swoops
  • falcon perches
  • train a falcon
  • falcon's wings
  • falcon's talons
  • falcon's beak
Synonyms
  • hawk

    a similar bird of prey but with broader wings and a shorter tail; the two groups belong to different biological families

  • kestrel

    a type of small falcon often seen hovering in the air while hunting

  • peregrine

    a specific species of falcon known for being the fastest bird in the world when diving

Grammar Patterns

a [falcon]

the [falcon]s

Usage Note

Falcons are often compared with hawks — falcons have narrow, pointed wings and a notch in the upper beak, while hawks have broader, rounded wings.