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

Bald eagles, owls, hawks, falcons and vultures are all among the birds of prey visitors can see when visiting the 3-acre property on Lake Sybelia, which is one of 55 Audubon centers and sanctuaries nationwide. —Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2026

This time of year, visitors flock to the Raptor Center to learn about falcons, hawks, owls and eagles. —John Lauritsen, CBS News, 11 June 2026

That means prospective bird watchers have just a few more weeks to watch the falcons on the live camera or try to catch a glimpse in-person. —Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2026

The falcons have been breeding successfully at the basilica for over two decades. —ABC News, 9 June 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