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

An oversized heron print by Gucci on a retro pink backdrop forms a striking focal point, offset by the clean geometry of the Manhattan skyline. —Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2025

Birders will likely be delighted with the number of species that have been spotted — over 80 — including kingfishers, cormorants and herons. —Jeanine Barone, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

Kayak through tranquil mangrove forests, where herons and egrets wade in the shallows. —Uncruise Adventures, AFAR Media, 3 Sep. 2025

Along the way, park officials encourage visitors to keep an eye out for the birds that call the park home, including herons and egrets, and even a few raptors. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 24 Aug. 2025

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

• burin
• 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