peregrine falcon

noun

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

called also peregrine

Illustration of peregrine falcon

Illustration of peregrine falcon

Examples of peregrine falcon 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.
Currently, the beaches of Torrey Pines are crowded with photographers hoping for that perfect picture of peregrine falcon chicks being raised in crude scrape nests placed on precarious perches, high on the sandstone cliffs. Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025 The largest urban concentration of peregrine falcons in North America lives in New York City. Ian Frazier, New Yorker, 5 May 2025 Notable species saved include the bald eagle, American alligators, whooping cranes and peregrine falcons. Kristin Brown, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2025 Building managers oversee the rooftop nest box, birds and camera, which provides an intimate view into the life of nesting peregrine falcons each year. Kristi Miller, Twin Cities, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for peregrine falcon

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of peregrine falcon was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Peregrine falcon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peregrine%20falcon. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on peregrine falcon

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