Illustration of tern
: any of various chiefly marine birds (subfamily Sterninae of the family Laridae and especially genus Sterna) that differ from the related gulls in usually smaller size, a more slender build, a sharply pointed bill, narrower wings, and an often forked tail
Examples of tern in a Sentence
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Birds abound across the shores of Duiker Island, with Sandwich terns, giant petrels and sooty shearwaters being just a few of the creatures that might make an appearance, while lucky guests might see a penguin or two bobbing along the water as well.
—
Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Keep your eyes open along the coastline for nesting terns.
—Jeri Clausing, AFAR Media, 7 Aug. 2025
In recent years, the refuge has provided important resting, feeding, and nesting habitat for many species of wading birds, shorebirds, songbirds and terns, including the endangered roseate tern.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 31 July 2025
The tara iti season began in December, when there were fewer than 35 terns remaining, officials said, but there were nine active nests and 25 eggs by the middle of the month.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 19 June 2025
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Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Keep your eyes open along the coastline for nesting terns.
—Jeri Clausing, AFAR Media, 7 Aug. 2025
In recent years, the refuge has provided important resting, feeding, and nesting habitat for many species of wading birds, shorebirds, songbirds and terns, including the endangered roseate tern.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 31 July 2025
The tara iti season began in December, when there were fewer than 35 terns remaining, officials said, but there were nine active nests and 25 eggs by the middle of the month.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for tern
Cite this Entry
“Tern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tern. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
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tern
noun
: any of numerous sea birds that often have a forked tail, black cap, and white or gray body and that in comparison to the related gulls have a smaller and slenderer body and bill and narrower wings
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