heron

noun

her·​on ˈher-ən 

ˈhe-rən

plural herons also heron

: any of various long-necked and long-legged wading birds (family Ardeidae) with a long tapering bill, large wings, and soft plumage

Examples of heron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This Japanese heron is better dressed than our great blues, with a white stripe on its waistcoat and a gleaming black beak. —Rebecca Chace july 14, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025

During nesting season in spring and early summer, the area is filled with birds like great egrets, roseate spoonbills and herons, drawing birdwatchers and photographers from across the region. —USA Today, 11 June 2025

Birders will delight in the biodiversity of this year-round rookery that brings together egrets, herons, ibises, and spoonbills. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 24 May 2025

Himeji Castle, Hyogo With white wooden walls, Himeji resembles a heron in flight—so much so that it’s also known as Shirasagijo, or White Heron Castle. —Katherine Lagrave, AFAR Media, 28 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English heiroun, hayroun, from Anglo-French heiron, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German heigaro heron

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing heron

• black-crowned night heron
• blue heron
• great blue heron
• great white heron
• green heron
• night heron

Rhymes for heron

• burin
• charon
• herren
• karen
• marron
• perron
• terran
• acheron
• operon
• percheron
• polaron
• lactoferrin

Kids Definition

heron

noun

her·​on ˈher-ən 

plural herons also heron

: any of various wading birds with a long neck, long legs, a long thin bill and large wings