bald eagle

noun

: an eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) of North America that is brown when young with white only on the undersides of the wings but in full adult plumage has white head and neck feathers and a white tail

Illustration of bald eagle

Illustration of bald eagle

Examples of bald eagle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The project drew opposition from environmental groups and neighbors who feared destruction of wetlands where bald eagles and other wildlife congregated. IndyStar, 13 Oct. 2025 On Friday, hours before layoff notices went out, Jim O’Neill, who took over as acting CDC director after Monarez’s ouster, posted two photos on X of what appeared to be a bald eagle soaring over the Capitol building. Tom Bartlett, The Atlantic, 13 Oct. 2025 Look for bald eagles perched in trees, tidepools gleaming with life, and dogs bounding through the surf. Becca Blond, AFAR Media, 7 Oct. 2025 Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge in Maine Located in the former Loring Air Force Base, Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge is not only home to wildlife such as bald eagles and lynx, but also one of the best places in the state to see the Northern Lights. Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bald eagle

Word History

First Known Use

1688, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bald eagle was in 1688

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Cite this Entry

“Bald eagle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bald%20eagle. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

bald eagle

noun
: a North American eagle which is mostly brown when young but has white head, neck, and tail feathers when mature

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