talon

noun

tal·​on ˈta-lən 

1

a

: the claw of an animal and especially of a bird of prey

b

: a finger or hand of a human being

2

: a part or object shaped like or suggestive of a heel or claw: such as

a

: an ogee molding

b

: the shoulder of the bolt of a lock on which the key acts to shoot the bolt

3

a

: cards laid aside in a pile in solitaire

b

: stock sense 5c

taloned

ˈta-lənd 

adjective

Examples of talon in a Sentence

The hawk gripped the mouse in its talons.

Recent Examples on the Web

Over millions of years, the egg-laying mammal has evolved a duck bill, webbed feet tipped with tiny, venomous talons, as well as a flat, beaver-like tail. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 25 Sep. 2024

There’s nothing quite like a good manicure to help one feel pulled together, and Hailey’s midnight-blue talons are perfect for the autumn season, plus, blue is the perfect hue for a boy mom. —Hannah Coates, Vogue, 20 Sep. 2024

Discovery and Paramount Global, meanwhile, can feel the albatross’s talons tightening. —Tony Maglio, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2024

Even super commentator Snoop Dogg has been sporting artful talons. —Leigh Nordstrom, WWD, 9 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English taloun heel, hind claw of a bird of prey, from Anglo-French talun, from Vulgar Latin *talon-, *talo, from Latin talus ankle, anklebone

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

talon

noun

tal·​on ˈtal-ən 

: the claw of an animal and especially of a bird of prey

Medical Definition

talon

noun

tal·​on ˈtal-ən 

: the crushing region of the crown of an upper molar