heron

noun

her·​on ˈher-ən 

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

For two decades, these herons have returned each spring to nest in Lincoln Park, raising their young in the heart of one of America’s largest cities. — Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2026

The heron dropped it to jab at it, presumably to kill it for good, then lifted her head up so her bill was pointing skyward, and down the hatch went the whole gopher. — Joan Morris, Mercury News, 20 July 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

Eagles, egrets, cormorants and herons are fishing, too. — John Lauritsen, CBS News, 25 June 2026

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

Phrases Containing heron

• black-crowned night heron
• blue heron
• great blue heron
• great white heron
• green heron
• night heron

Rhymes for heron

• charon
• herren
• karen
• marron
• perron
• terran
• acheron
• operon
• percheron
• polaron
• lactoferrin

Kids 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