beak

noun

ˈbēk 

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

a

: magistrate

b

: headmaster

beaked

ˈbēkt 

adjective

beaky

ˈbē-kē 

adjective

Synonyms

• bill
• neb
• nib

Examples of beak in a Sentence

the beak of a hawk

an actor with a big beak

Recent Examples on the Web

One goose, named Edes, was preening quietly; others were resting with their beaks pointed tailward, nestled into their feathers. —Rivka Galchen, The New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2024

When Woodpecker removed her feathers and long beak, Black-ish actress Marsai Martin appeared. —Dana Rose Falcone, People.com, 10 Oct. 2024

With their shaggy throat feathers and long, hefty beaks, ravens are noticeably larger than crows, which have shorter, slimmer bills. —Ramon Padilla, USA TODAY, 23 Oct. 2024

Until now, that mechanism was believed to serve one main purpose: to get a lot of pollen onto the bird's beak. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2024

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

Kids Definition

beak

noun

ˈbēk 

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

ˈbēkt 

adjective