sparrow hawk

noun

: any of various small hawks: such as
a
: an Old World accipiter (Accipiter nisus) that is dark gray to blackish above with the female having a grayish-brown barred underside and the male having a chestnut barred underside

Illustration of sparrow hawk

Illustration of sparrow hawk
  • sparrow hawk a

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web For example, in the Netherlands, the Eurasian sparrow hawk has been late for dinner because its prey, the blue tit, has -- over 16 years -- arrived almost six days earlier than the hawk. CBS News, 17 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sparrow hawk.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near sparrow hawk

Cite this Entry

“Sparrow hawk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sparrow%20hawk. Accessed 27 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

sparrow hawk

noun
: any of various small hawks

More from Merriam-Webster on sparrow hawk

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