talon

play

noun tal·on \ ˈta-lən \

Definition of talon

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 10c

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taloned

play \-lənd\ adjective

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Examples of talon in a Sentence

The hawk gripped the mouse in its talons.

Recent Examples of talon from the Web

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (AP) — A big Nazi eagle with a swastika under its talons is such a divisive symbol that it has been kept hidden inside a sealed crate in a Uruguayan navy warehouse for more than a decade.

— leonardo haberkorn, The Seattle Times, "A Nazi eagle inflames a heated debate in Uruguay," 29 Aug. 2017
ATLANTA — A 73,000-pound stainless steel falcon with talons gripping a football, constructed in Hungary and cut into four parts and shipped to America and reconstructed here, welcomes Georgians to the NFL’s newest stadium.

— peter king, SI.com, "Monday Morning QB: J.J. Watt Helps With Hurricane Harvey Flood Relief in Houston," 28 Aug. 2017
Most of the visual weirdness was compressed into video interludes that showed the singer sporting talons and oozing face paint.

— greg kot, chicagotribune.com, "Lady Gaga brings a rare intimacy to Wrigley Field," 26 Aug. 2017
The headgear of Corythoraptor resembles that of a cassowary, the flightless bird of Australia and New Guinea famous for its prominent headgear and terrifying talons.

— brian switek, Scientific American Blog Network, "Paleo Profile: The Crested Thief," 4 Aug. 2017
In the water, these birds have no means of defending themselves and their talons are unable to propel them forward.

— sarah gibbens, National Geographic, "Watch: ‘Swimming’ Bald Eagle Rescued by Bystanders," 2 Aug. 2017
Based on its weight and talon size, the injured bird is likely Justice, the male of the beloved pair, said Dan Rauch, a wildlife biologist with the District’s Department of Energy and Environment.

— rachel chason, Washington Post, "Injured bald eagle, likely Liberty or Justice, gets treated a day before July 4," 3 July 2017
Talons Summer Flight Show: Flights of the Forest: Learn about the natural history, habitat and natural behaviors of birds of prey.

— charlotteobserver, "Happening nearby in south Charlotte: June 28-July 4, 2017," 26 June 2017
In online video, Glory takes a position on a tree branch, talons gripping the swaying perch.

— martin weil, Washington Post, "Eaglet flies, fish swims on stormy day in Washington," 20 June 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of talon

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

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