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

Just having that mentality of coming out fast, not getting our beaks wet. —Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 23 Oct. 2024

Her cake looks kind of like an old boot with a pencil for a beak. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 27 Sep. 2024

The nodules form over the course of millions of years through chemical processes that cause metals to precipitate out of water around shell fragments, squid beaks and shark teeth and cover a surprisingly large area of the seafloor. —Katie Hunt, CNN, 22 July 2024

With beaks chock-full of vegetation, these seabirds - always somewhat clumsy-looking on land - were simply hilarious. —Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 1 Nov. 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