least tern

noun

: a very small black-capped tern (Sterna antillarum) with a white body and forehead that is found chiefly in coastal areas of eastern North America and California

Examples of least tern in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One of the more interesting challenges facing workers building the roadway was having to adjust their schedule to accommodate an active nesting site of the endangered California least tern, located right on the airfield. —Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 July 2025

California least terns are listed as endangered at both the state and federal levels. —Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 3 July 2025

While the least tern preserve is fenced off, other nesting areas for species such as the snowy plover are found around the sandy areas. —Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 3 July 2025

Last Fourth of July, a boater offshore from the Santa Ana River mouth appears to have scared off nesting California least terns by setting off fireworks from their vessel, Orange County Coastkeeper officials said. —Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 3 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1860, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for least tern

• adjourn
• concern
• decern
• discern
• downturn
• extern
• heartburn
• interne
• nocturne
• return
• sunburn
• unworn