talon

noun

tal·​on ˈta-lən 

1

a

: the claw of an animal and especially of a bird of prey

b

: a finger or hand of a human being

2

: a part or object shaped like or suggestive of a heel or claw: such as

a

: an ogee molding

b

: the shoulder of the bolt of a lock on which the key acts to shoot the bolt

3

a

: cards laid aside in a pile in solitaire

b

: stock sense 5c

taloned

ˈta-lənd 

adjective

Examples of talon in a Sentence

The hawk gripped the mouse in its talons.

Recent Examples on the Web

Their talons also curve more sharply than those of other raptors, and their footpads are equipped with tiny spines that act like Velcro against fish scales. —Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025

Upon selecting the expedition, a cutscene triggers in which your party of three grabs onto the talons of a giant blue eagle. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025

Locking talons, Meleys and Vhagar collide, but the larger beast gains the upper hand. —Gina McIntyre, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025

Its massive talons were comparable in size to those of a tiger, and its powerful beak could pierce through thick muscle and bone. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English taloun heel, hind claw of a bird of prey, from Anglo-French talun, from Vulgar Latin *talon-, *talo, from Latin talus ankle, anklebone

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for talon

• alan
• ballon
• gallon
• concanavalin
• enkephalin
• trifluralin

Kids Definition

talon

noun

tal·​on ˈtal-ən 

: the claw of an animal and especially of a bird of prey

Medical Definition

talon

noun

tal·​on ˈtal-ən 

: the crushing region of the crown of an upper molar