Definition of hawksbill turtle
: a small- to medium-sized sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) of warm waters that has a narrow hawk-like beak, an upper shell of overlapping horny plates, and usually two claws on each forelimb ◆The hawksbill turtle feeds chiefly on sponges. Its mottled brownish upper shell was used especially formerly to produce tortoiseshell .
Explore M-W
Illustration of hawksbill turtle
1712
First Known Use of hawksbill turtle
1712
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up hawksbill turtle? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!