heron

noun

her·​on ˈher-ən 

ˈhe-rən

plural herons also heron

: any of various long-necked and long-legged wading birds (family Ardeidae) with a long tapering bill, large wings, and soft plumage

Examples of heron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The wetlands are home to many aquatic birds, including flamingos, herons, and egrets, as well as thousands of ducks including several species on the edge of extinction. —David Escribano, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2024

This mosquito tends to live in hardwood bogs and feeds on birds like robins, herons, and wrens, spreading the virus among them. —Zoya Teirstein, WIRED, 7 Sep. 2024

As the boats approached, the heron spread its wings and lifted off. —Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2024

The Reddit user compared the blue heron's behavior to that of a snake, which are known to devour rodents whole. —Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 5 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English heiroun, hayroun, from Anglo-French heiron, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German heigaro heron

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing heron

• black-crowned night heron
• blue heron
• great blue heron
• great white heron
• green heron
• night heron

Kids Definition

heron

noun

her·​on ˈher-ən 

plural herons also heron

: any of various wading birds with a long neck, long legs, a long thin bill and large wings