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

That the wading herons need do little more than stand and open their mouths to receive the fish jumping from the shallows? —Jeff Vandermeer, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2026

Its two miles of beaches are home to an assortment of wildlife, including the wild horses, deer and more than 200 species of birds, from seagulls to herons, egrets to eagles and more. —Usa Today Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026

Obringer said the heron bird and the mahjong game both represent beauty, grace and transformation. —Claire Harutunian, Charlotte Observer, 10 June 2026

We were joined by fish eagles, malachite and giant kingfishers, herons, and even a Verreaux's eagle owl. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

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

Rhymes for heron

• charon
• herren
• karen
• marron
• perron
• terran
• acheron
• operon
• percheron
• polaron
• lactoferrin

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