peregrine falcon

noun

: a swift nearly cosmopolitan falcon (Falco peregrinus) often used in falconry

called also peregrine

Illustration of peregrine falcon

Examples of peregrine falcon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Like the peregrine falcon, the cheetah, and the red ant, the mako is the quintessence of the species. —Pat Smith, Outdoor Life, 24 July 2025

The peregrine falcon, for instance, owns the title of the world’s fastest bird, reaching speeds of up to 240 miles per hour while diving for prey. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025

Viewers can spot birds coming and going to feed their young, including birds of prey such as the peregrine falcon and merlin. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 15 May 2025

In fact, the Endangered Species Act has produced some spectacular recovery successes, including the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and American alligator. —Pepper Trail, Denver Post, 6 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English faukon peregryn, from Medieval Latin falco peregrinus, literally, pilgrim falcon; from the young being captured wandering from their nests, which were too inaccessible to reach easily

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for peregrine falcon

• alkyne
• malkin

Kids Definition

peregrine falcon

noun

per·​e·​grine falcon

ˈper-ə-grən-,

-ˌgrēn-

: a dark swift widely distributed falcon that can be tamed and trained to hunt game

called also peregrine