falcon

noun

fal·​con ˈfal-kən  ˈfȯl- 

 also  ˈfȯ-kən

1

: any of various hawks trained for use in falconry

especially : peregrine falcon

—used technically only of a female compare tiercel

2

: any of various hawks (family Falconidae) that have long pointed wings, a long tail, and a notched beak and that usually inhabit open areas

Illustration of falcon

• 1 hood
• 2 jess
• 3 gauntlet

Examples of falcon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Other impressive falcons include Eleonora’s falcon, the Mauritius kestrel, and the Eurasian hobby. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025

The Peregrine Fund and the World Center for Birds of Prey south of Boise helped save the falcon from the endangered species list in the 1990s. —Michael Lycklama, Idaho Statesman, 28 June 2025

Including voice performances and narrators but excluding Mordecai the falcon. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 June 2025

Typically, chicks are banded around 20 days after hatching, giving their legs time to develop properly before attaching their bands, according to a list of Peregrine falcon milestones to watch. —Tammy Ljungblad, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English faucoun, falcon, from Anglo-French faucon, from Late Latin falcon-, falco, probably from Latin falc-, falx

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing falcon

• falcon-gentle
• peregrine falcon

Rhymes for falcon

• alkyne
• malkin

Kids Definition

falcon

noun

fal·​con ˈfal-kən  ˈfȯl- 

 also  ˈfȯ-kən

1

: a hawk trained for use in falconry

2

: any of various swift hawks with long pointed wings, a long tail, and a notch on the upper half of the beak for killing prey