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

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

And the licorice French nail is a simple way to experiment with a classic, without hours in the nail chair crafting mini tapestries or stepping too far out of your comfort zone with your talons. —Jeanne Ballion, Vogue, 12 Apr. 2025

Unlike raptors such as eagles and hawks, vultures don't have the kind of strong talons needed for hunting. —Phaedra Trethan, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 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