egret

noun

ˈē-grət 

-ˌgret,

also

i-ˈgret  ˈe-grət 

: any of various herons that bear long plumes during the breeding season

Illustration of egret

Examples of egret in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The tiny island is home to brown and white pelicans, roseate spoonbills, owls, ospreys, terns, herons, egrets, and other shore birds. —Kara Franker, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2025

Guides might even find baby alligators to point out along the way, as well as herons, egrets, turtles, and other typical Florida wildlife. —Terry Ward, Travel + Leisure, 4 Jan. 2025

Besides the birds being killed by collectors, millions of herons, egrets and other birds were being slaughtered for the fashion industry to provide adornments for women’s hats and other garments. —Tim Gallagher, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Nov. 2024

Maron expects the egrets and herons will be ready for release around mid-August. —Rachel Royster, Austin American-Statesman, 20 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Old Occitan *aigreta, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German heigaro heron

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing egret

• cattle egret
• great egret
• snowy egret

Kids Definition

egret

noun

ˈē-grət  i-ˈgret  ˈē-ˌgret 

ˈeg-rət

: any of various herons that bear long feathers during the breeding season