merlin

1 of 2

noun (1)

mer·​lin ˈmər-lən How to pronounce merlin (audio)
: a small compact falcon (Falco columbarius) of the northern hemisphere having a broad dark terminal band on the tail and upperparts that are slate blue in males and brown in females

Merlin

2 of 2

noun (2)

Mer·​lin ˈmər-lən How to pronounce Merlin (audio)
: a prophet and magician in Arthurian legend

Examples of merlin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
The Job Management Agent (JMA), meanwhile, handles scheduling and execution across LLNL’s supercomputers, using tools like the Flux scheduler and the Merlin workflow system. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 5 Aug. 2025 One parent was killed by a merlin, a small falcon that lives throughout the Great Lakes region. Sheryl Devore, Chicago Tribune, 13 Sep. 2023 Other Plum Island sightings were highlighted by an unseasonal merlin and a red-necked phalarope. BostonGlobe.com, 5 Aug. 2023 Researchers from Michigan State University and the University of Minnesota have developed population models to show how controlling merlin and other nest predator populations could reduce the piping plover's risk of extinction, according to the Smithsonian. Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 21 Apr. 2023
Noun
Its part of a $90-million investment in Legoland’s California and Florida parks on behalf of parent Merlin Entertainment (an identical Galacticoaster can be found in Lego’s Florida park). Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026 The $90 million project installing twin coasters at Legoland California and Legoland Florida marks the largest Legoland investment in the history of parent company Merlin Entertainments. Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 6 Mar. 2026 The in-park experience reflects the character’s status and reinforces the attraction’s committment to accessibility, says Merlin Entertainments Group, which own the theme park. Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Mar. 2026 In 2008, Lake became the youngest magician in history to receive magic’s highest honor — The Merlin Award for International Stage Magician of the Year. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 26 Feb. 2026 The image, captured by photographer John Kraus, provided a novel view looking almost directly up and into the rocket's intense exhaust plume as it was shaped and backlit by the furious labors of the Merlin engines. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 18 Feb. 2026 Before the series crowned Salta the winner, Harry Merlin Piper, Duo Vespertilio, Spud Howard and Salta were the four finalists. Janelle Ash , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 18 Feb. 2026 Merlin said she’s been overweight for most of her life and has tried everything, including diet and exercise, lap band surgery and a number of different weight loss medications. Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026 People can report their findings—and share any photographs—via the eBird or Merlin Bird ID apps, which are available for iOS and Android smartphones. Kate Wong, Scientific American, 13 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English merlioun, from Anglo-French merilun, alteration of esmerilun, diminutive of Old French esmeril, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German smiril merlin

Noun (2)

Medieval Latin Merlinus, from Middle Welsh Myrddin

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of merlin was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Merlin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/merlin. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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