caracara

noun

ca·​ra·​ca·​ra ˌker-ə-ˈker-ə How to pronounce caracara (audio)
ˌka-rə-ˈka-rə;
ˌker-ə-kə-ˈrä How to pronounce caracara (audio)
ˌka-rə-kə-ˈrä
: any of various large long-legged hawks found from the southern U.S. to South America that are classified with the falcons

Examples of caracara in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Within minutes, the wild striated caracaras noticed and began inspecting the puzzle boxes. Grrlscientist, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2023 In the summer months, caracaras can feed on seabird colonies. Darren Incorvaia, New York Times, 20 Nov. 2023 Curiosity and ingenuity could help a hungry caracara find a meal in lean times. Darren Incorvaia, New York Times, 20 Nov. 2023 The striking similarities in behaviors between the two species made the scientists wonder whether striated caracaras might be capable of solving puzzle boxes to obtain a food reward as Goffin’s cockatoos can do. Grrlscientist, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2023 The researchers are not the first to wonder about striated caracaras’ intelligence. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Nov. 2023 Scientists tested 15 striated caracaras that had no prior training on the puzzle box. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Nov. 2023 With the caracaras, Ms. Harrington had the opposite problem. Darren Incorvaia, New York Times, 20 Nov. 2023 That is a book about the caracara, which is a very intelligent bird. Amy Sutherland, BostonGlobe.com, 8 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'caracara.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Spanish caracara & Portuguese caracará, from Tupi karakará

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of caracara was in 1838

Dictionary Entries Near caracara

Cite this Entry

“Caracara.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caracara. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on caracara

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!