beak

noun

1
a
: the bill of a bird
especially : a strong short broad bill
b(1)
: the elongated sucking mouth of some insects (such as the true bugs)
(2)
: any of various rigid projecting mouth structures (as of a turtle)
c
: the human nose
2
: a pointed structure or formation:
a
: a metal-pointed beam projecting from the bow especially of an ancient galley for piercing an enemy ship
b
: the spout of a vessel
c
: a continuous slight architectural projection ending in an arris see molding illustration
d
: a process suggesting the beak of a bird
3
chiefly British
beaked adjective
beaky adjective

Examples of beak in a Sentence

the beak of a hawk an actor with a big beak
Recent Examples on the Web In essence, trees developing this adaptation are not all that different from Darwin’s finches evolving special beaks to crack particular seed shells, or a monarch caterpillar’s ability to accumulate milkweed toxin to limit predation by birds. Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 13 Sep. 2024 For instance, the disproportionately large teeth toward the front of the beak and the thickness of those teeth’s enamel resembles that of a hyper-carnivore, akin to a meat-eating dinosaur like Allosaurus. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 11 Sep. 2024 These stellar nurseries can be seen as feathers in the Penguin’s tail and what resembles a fish in its beak. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 12 July 2024 There is more distinct coloration around the northern’s neck; a beak that extends just a bit longer. Melanie Stetson Freeman, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for beak 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'beak.' 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 bec, from Anglo-French, from Latin beccus, of Gaulish origin

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of beak was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near beak

Cite this Entry

“Beak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beak. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

beak

noun
1
a
: the bill of a bird
especially : the bill of a bird of prey adapted for striking and tearing
b
: any of various rigid mouth structures (as of a turtle) that stick out
also : the long sucking mouth of some insects
c
: the human nose
2
: a part shaped like a beak
beaked adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on beak

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