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

Equipped with bulky bodies, these dinosaurs also boasted long legs, short arms, and small heads with beaks. —Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 14 Mar. 2025

Standing up to roughly six inches tall and weighing less than four ounces, plains-wanderers have bright yellow beaks, legs and eyes. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Feb. 2025

There were terns – with their yellow beaks and black heads – stumbling about having seizures on the sand. —Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 7 Feb. 2025

Named for their dolphin-esque beaks, beaked whales are considered rare. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2025

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

Rhymes for beak

• beek
• bleak
• cheek
• chic
• clique
• creak
• creek
• eke
• freak
• geek
• greek
• leak

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