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
Either way, be sure to keep an eye out for the reserve’s native animal population, including fish, crabs, turtles, herons, flamingos, foxes, and dugongs, cousins to the North American manatee.
—
Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Jan. 2026
For decades, scientists have wondered whether the animal was its own species or related to birds on nearby South America, so Jack Dumbacher, Ornithology Curator with the California Academy of Sciences, and a team of collaborators sought to settle the mystery using DNA samples from the herons.
—Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2026
Several nests of endangered tri-colored herons — considered a threatened species in Florida — were found on the island.
—Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 16 Jan. 2026
Above water, Boca Chita Key’s 1930s lighthouse is a quirky landmark, while mangrove islands echo with herons and pelicans.
—Outside, 15 Jan. 2026
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Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Jan. 2026
For decades, scientists have wondered whether the animal was its own species or related to birds on nearby South America, so Jack Dumbacher, Ornithology Curator with the California Academy of Sciences, and a team of collaborators sought to settle the mystery using DNA samples from the herons.
—Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2026
Several nests of endangered tri-colored herons — considered a threatened species in Florida — were found on the island.
—Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 16 Jan. 2026
Above water, Boca Chita Key’s 1930s lighthouse is a quirky landmark, while mangrove islands echo with herons and pelicans.
—Outside, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for heron
Cite this Entry
“Heron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heron. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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