beak

noun

ˈbēk 

1

a

: the bill of a bird

especially : a strong short broad bill

b(1)

: the elongated sucking mouth of some insects (such as the true bugs)

(2)

: any of various rigid projecting mouth structures (as of a turtle)

c

: the human nose

2

: a pointed structure or formation:

a

: a metal-pointed beam projecting from the bow especially of an ancient galley for piercing an enemy ship

b

: the spout of a vessel

c

: a continuous slight architectural projection ending in an arris see molding illustration

d

: a process suggesting the beak of a bird

3

chiefly British

a

: magistrate

b

: headmaster

beaked

ˈbēkt 

adjective

beaky

ˈbē-kē 

adjective

Synonyms

• bill
• neb
• nib

Examples of beak in a Sentence

the beak of a hawk

an actor with a big beak

Recent Examples on the Web

American oystercatchers—shellfish-eating shorebirds with long orange beaks—are attacking the drones in an apparent bid to protect their nests. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 July 2024

There is a great deal of variation in griffin forms over the centuries, but the only features Protoceratops shares with the griffin are four limbs and a beak. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 25 June 2024

Fortunately, far from being turned off by the beak, Hemsworth embraced it and added other features. —Marco Della Cava, USA TODAY, 28 May 2024

At the time of his, and Jeff Van Gundy’s departure from ESPN, Adam Silver said the league didn’t stick its beak into the national telecasts. —Bob Raissman, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English bec, from Anglo-French, from Latin beccus, of Gaulish origin

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

beak

noun

ˈbēk 

1

a

: the bill of a bird

especially : the bill of a bird of prey adapted for striking and tearing

b

: any of various rigid mouth structures (as of a turtle) that stick out

also : the long sucking mouth of some insects

c

: the human nose

2

: a part shaped like a beak

beaked

ˈbēkt 

adjective