heron

noun

her·​on ˈher-ən How to pronounce heron (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Among the meadows and woods, be sure to keep an eye out for all sorts of fauna: Turkeys, deer, owls, herons, and foxes have been known to use Hawkskill as their stomping grounds. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 24 June 2025 Domestic ducks and roof-nesting jackdaws head for the eaves and flap their wings, and the heron’s sharp cry trails off on the waves. Aratus, Harpers Magazine, 18 June 2025 Stretch your legs with a stroll along the Anhinga Trail, where herons and turtles gather at the water’s edge, or, if time allows, hop on an airboat tour to glide through the heart of the marshes and spot alligators in their natural habitat. Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 24 May 2025 Rent a kayak or paddleboard and glide along the shore, watching for herons and turtles. West Virginia Tourism, AFAR Media, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for heron

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of heron was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Heron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heron. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

heron

noun
her·​on ˈher-ən How to pronounce heron (audio)
plural herons also heron
: any of various wading birds with a long neck, long legs, a long thin bill and large wings

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