osprey

noun

os·​prey ˈä-sprē  -ˌsprā 

plural ospreys

1

: a large fish-eating hawk (Pandion haliaetus) with long wings that is dark brown above and mostly pure white below

2

: a feather trimming used for millinery

Illustration of osprey

• osprey 1

Examples of osprey in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the Chesapeake Bay, osprey chicks are dying in their nests at rates not seen since the DDT era. — Mark Robichaux, Washington Post, 19 Aug. 2026

The splash of the osprey, the smacking of the eating beaver and the gentle paddling of the swimming beaver beat anything on offer at the Meyerhoff. — Carl R. Gold, Baltimore Sun, 14 Aug. 2026

Stroll the scenic boardwalk through the wetlands, paddle the quiet waterways by kayak, or keep an eye out for herons, ospreys, turtles, and other native wildlife. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 17 July 2026

For all its proximity to the city, the estate feels deeply removed, animated by eagles nesting in the trees, ospreys hovering above the water and deer grazing through the grounds. — Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ospray, from Anglo-French *osfraie, from Latin ossifraga, a bird of prey

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

osprey

noun

os·​prey ˈäs-prē  -ˌprā 

plural ospreys

: a large hawk that is dark brown above and mostly white below and that feeds chiefly on fish

called also fish hawk