debeak

verb

de·​beak (ˌ)dē-ˈbēk How to pronounce debeak (audio)
debeaked; debeaking; debeaks

transitive verb

: to remove the tip of the upper mandible of (a bird, such as a chicken) to prevent cannibalism and fighting

Word History

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of debeak was in 1937

Dictionary Entries Near debeak

Cite this Entry

“Debeak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/debeak. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!