great blue heron

noun

: a large slaty-blue American heron (Ardea herodias) that has a dark crown, showy plumes on the head and neck, is about 46 inches (117 centimeters) long, and includes a white morph see great white heron

Examples of great blue heron 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.
Rescuers approached a great blue heron in a marshy section of Lake Louise in Brandon Township via boats the night of June 15, video from the sheriff’s office shows. Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2025 Galiano is a major flight path for migratory birds including eagles, great blue herons, owls and hummingbirds. The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 June 2025 The couple drank champagne left over from their wedding engagement and got to see a great blue heron, a couple of ducks and an osprey. Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 11 May 2025 Hikers there can spot wading birds like great blue herons and American avocets, find shells on the riverbanks, and wander the thick cottonwood galleries on their shores. Adam Roy, Outside Online, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for great blue heron

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of great blue heron was in 1835

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Great blue heron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/great%20blue%20heron. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

great blue heron

noun
: a large grayish blue American heron with a crest of dark feathers on its head

More from Merriam-Webster on great blue heron

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!