talon

noun

tal·on ˈta-lən

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

: a finger or hand of a human being

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

: an ogee molding

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

: cards laid aside in a pile in solitaire

: stock sense 5c

taloned

ˈta-lənd

adjective

Example Sentences

The hawk gripped the mouse in its talons.

Recent Examples on the Web The eagle symbolizes the air and holds an item in each talon. —

Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 21 Oct. 2020 Lightman was concerned; a juvenile osprey, though smaller than an adult, still has powerful, sharp talons. —

Denis Alexander, Washington Post, 17 Mar. 2023 Lily Collins did her part to convince the masses that bangs are always a good idea, as elsewhere, Lizzo’s curled and swept updo played well with pink talons and rosy lips. —

Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 12 Mar. 2023 Towering over nine feet tall and weighing over 1,500 pounds, the aepyornis has a pointy beak and powerful talons. —

Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 10 Mar. 2023 After thorough hand washing, these talons did not come off. —

Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 8 Mar. 2023 Affixed to the towering metal and barbed wire gates is a metal plaque painted with the emblem of the United States: a bald eagle, wings outstretched, an olive branch in one talon and 13 arrows in the other. —

Christina Goldbaum, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2023 The rapper is not shy in the nail-art department, often opting for out-there designs including lava lamp graphics, 3D gummy bear charms, and long, sharp talon nail shapes. —

Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 31 Jan. 2023 Coto Donana National Park for a few days and checked them for the distinctive talon marks of birds of prey. —

Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 1 Aug. 2011 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'talon.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler

The first known use of talon was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century