osprey

noun

os·​prey ˈä-sprē How to pronounce osprey (audio) -ˌsprā How to pronounce osprey (audio)
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

Illustration of osprey
  • osprey 1

Examples of osprey in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In 2024, the osprey clutch successfully hatched and the chicks remained in the nest for most of the year. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 12 June 2025 The group watched as two crows chased the osprey into some trees. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 12 June 2025 Wildlife in the park includes bald eagles, ospreys, and manatees. Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 May 2025 Hawks, eagles and ospreys build huge platform nests that can be more than 6 feet wide and several feet deep. Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for osprey

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of osprey was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Osprey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/osprey. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

osprey

noun
os·​prey ˈäs-prē How to pronounce osprey (audio) -ˌprā How to pronounce osprey (audio)
plural ospreys
: a large hawk that is dark brown above and mostly white below and that feeds chiefly on fish

called also fish hawk

More from Merriam-Webster on osprey

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