heron

noun

her·​on ˈher-ən 

ˈhe-rən

plural herons also heron

: any of various long-necked and long-legged wading birds (family Ardeidae) with a long tapering bill, large wings, and soft plumage

Examples of heron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The state park is listed on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, so be on the lookout for a variety of shorebirds on the beach, great blue herons, tricolored herons, wood storks, roseate spoonbills, osprey, bald eagles, owls and songbirds within the maritime hammock. —Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 21 June 2024

Shop the tote in black, tan, gray heron, calendula, shell pink, and brilliant red. —Kristi Kellogg, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Apr. 2024

Jordan Matin, Matin Real Estate, [phone]. San Francisco, California Pelicans and herons frequent the Mission Creek floating community where this two- bedroom house is moored. —The Week Staff, theweek, 19 Mar. 2024

The heron would drop the snake and stab it again with its beak. —James Gorman, New York Times, 26 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English heiroun, hayroun, from Anglo-French heiron, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German heigaro heron

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing heron

• black-crowned night heron
• blue heron
• great blue heron
• great white heron
• green heron
• night heron

Kids Definition

heron

noun

her·​on ˈher-ən 

plural herons also heron

: any of various wading birds with a long neck, long legs, a long thin bill and large wings