tern

noun \ ˈtərn \

Definition of tern

:any of various chiefly marine birds (subfamily Sterninae of the family Laridae and especially genus Sterna) that differ from the related gulls in usually smaller size, a more slender build, a sharply pointed bill, narrower wings, and an often forked tail

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Recent Examples of tern from the Web

Whales spouted, dolphins broke the water, pelicans skimmed, terns dove, and sea lions spun all around me.

— maria finn, Longreads, "Can Love Sparked at Burning Man Last in Everyday Life?," 28 Aug. 2017
Harsen’s Island is home to one of the state’s largest colonies of black terns – a species of special concern in Michigan.

— michigan wildlife council, Detroit Free Press, "Exploring Michigan’s Wetland Wonders," 21 Aug. 2017
Caspian terns and cormorants soared overhead, patrolling the lagoons.

— manya brachear pashman, chicagotribune.com, "Birders fear loss of habitat to Obama Center, Jackson Park golf course development," 5 Aug. 2017
The Gulf Coast nonprofit complained to state wildlife officials, which prompted a federal investigation based on photos showing Wenzel grabbing a pelican and tern.

— sara nealeigh and jenny staletovich, miamiherald, "Shark ‘beer bong’ video prompts Florida officials to expand investigation," 28 July 2017
A 2016 bird count tallied multiple species of herons, cormorants, pelicans, hawks, plover, gnatcatchers, quail, and terns, among others.

— deborah sullivan brennan, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Parking lot becomes salt marsh in Del Mar wetland restoration," 17 July 2017
This estuary and the immediate Pacific is also where many of these juveniles die, eaten by predators such as Caspian terns or killed by the cumulative effects of the wearying journey downriver.

— rocky barker, idahostatesman, "Northwest salmon, the stuff of legends, still struggle to survive. Can we save them — and at what price?," 8 July 2017
A tern — one of many seabirds common to the marshes the group was touring in Masonville Cove.

— scott dance, Washington Post, "Baltimore teachers get lessons in Chesapeake Bay’s challenges, recovery," 1 July 2017
Along with the tern, the teachers saw the abundance of birds that have made Masonville a popular spot for birdwatchers.

— scott dance, Washington Post, "Baltimore teachers get lessons in Chesapeake Bay’s challenges, recovery," 1 July 2017

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

Illustration of tern

Origin and Etymology of tern

of Scandinavian origin; akin to Danish terne tern

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First Known Use: 1678

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TERN Defined for English Language Learners

tern

noun

Definition of tern for English Language Learners

: a kind of bird that lives near the ocean, is usually black and white, and has long wings and a tail with two points

TERN Defined for Kids

tern

noun \ ˈtərn \

Definition of tern for Students

:a small slender seagull with a white body, narrow wings, and the top of the head black

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See words that rhyme with tern Spanish Central: Translation of tern Nglish: Translation of tern for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tern

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tern

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tern

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