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 of beak

• mouth
• mandible
• muzzle

Examples of beak in a Sentence

the beak of a hawk

an actor with a big beak

Recent Examples on the Web

The Seattle Seahawks can finally settle a Super Bowl score with the New England Patriots, who snatched the Lombardi Trophy out of their beaks almost dozen years ago with one the most dramatic defensive stands in pro football history. —David K. Li, NBC news, 8 Feb. 2026

Since a hummingbird will only access the feeder spout with its long beak, any food residue anywhere else on the feeder could be an invitation to ants or other insects. —Peg Aloi, The Spruce, 7 Feb. 2026

Shorebirds and seagulls waded along a sandbar, poking their beaks into the sand to hunt for food. —Max Chesnes, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026

But when an animal measures just a few inches from beak to tail and weighs about as much as a penny, even basic veterinary care is a challenge. —Sarah Kuta, Popular Science, 4 Feb. 2026

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

Rhymes for beak

• beek
• bleak
• cheek
• chic
• clique
• creak
• creek
• eke
• freak
• geek
• greek
• leak

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