osprey

noun

os·​prey ˈä-sprē  -ˌsprā 

plural ospreys

1

: a large fish-eating hawk (Pandion haliaetus) with long wings that is dark brown above and mostly pure white below

2

: a feather trimming used for millinery

Illustration of osprey

• osprey 1

Examples of osprey in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Stroll the scenic boardwalk through the wetlands, paddle the quiet waterways by kayak, or keep an eye out for herons, ospreys, turtles, and other native wildlife. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 17 July 2026

For all its proximity to the city, the estate feels deeply removed, animated by eagles nesting in the trees, ospreys hovering above the water and deer grazing through the grounds. — Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

The burns have begun to heal slowly, but the osprey’s flight feathers have not molted, the process where old feathers are shed and new ones grow in their place. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026

Their logo is an osprey, clasping a baseball bat in its talons. — Alanis Thames, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ospray, from Anglo-French *osfraie, from Latin ossifraga, a bird of prey

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

osprey

noun

os·​prey ˈäs-prē  -ˌprā 

plural ospreys

: a large hawk that is dark brown above and mostly white below and that feeds chiefly on fish

called also fish hawk