falcon

noun

fal·​con ˈfal-kən  ˈfȯl- 

also ˈfȯ-kən

1

: any of various hawks trained for use in falconry

especially : peregrine falcon

—used technically only of a female compare tiercel

2

: any of various hawks (family Falconidae) that have long pointed wings, a long tail, and a notched beak and that usually inhabit open areas

Illustration of falcon

• 1 hood
• 2 jess
• 3 gauntlet

Examples of falcon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Authorities say the falcons need plenty of space. —Neal Riley, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026

At the New England Wildlife Center in Massachusetts, owls and falcons get pedicure services. —Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 1 Apr. 2026

Several talks with live falcons led by Bob Gordon will take place on Saturday. —Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026

There’s a common arachnid called the orb-weaving spider native to Illinois and other Midwestern states that has the falcon beat. —Sheryl Devore, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English faucoun, falcon, from Anglo-French faucon, from Late Latin falcon-, falco, probably from Latin falc-, falx

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing falcon

• falcon-gentle
• peregrine falcon

Rhymes for falcon

• alkyne
• malkin

Kids Definition

falcon

noun

fal·​con ˈfal-kən  ˈfȯl- 

also ˈfȯ-kən

1

: a hawk trained for use in falconry

2

: any of various swift hawks with long pointed wings, a long tail, and a notch on the upper half of the beak for killing prey