Definition of least tern
: 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
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Recent Examples of least tern from the Web
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The islands also are used as nesting sites by least terns, Forster’s terns, oystercatchers and other waterbirds.
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Another reason some boats aren’t immediately destroyed and removed is that such work is prohibited part of the year by environmental protections in place for a bird called the California least tern.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'least tern.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of least tern
circa 1860
Learn More about least tern
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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about least tern
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