heron

noun

her·​on ˈher-ən How to pronounce heron (audio)
ˈhe-rən
plural herons also heron
: any of various long-necked and long-legged wading birds (family Ardeidae) with a long tapering bill, large wings, and soft plumage

Examples of heron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Maron expects the egrets and herons will be ready for release around mid-August. Rachel Royster, Austin American-Statesman, 20 July 2024 Before long, everyone was floating downstream again, amid a succession of kingfishers, herons, and cormorants. Ben McGrath, The New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2024 The wetlands are home to many aquatic birds, including flamingos, herons, and egrets, as well as thousands of ducks including several species on the edge of extinction. David Escribano, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2024 This mosquito tends to live in hardwood bogs and feeds on birds like robins, herons, and wrens, spreading the virus among them. Zoya Teirstein, WIRED, 7 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for heron 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English heiroun, hayroun, from Anglo-French heiron, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German heigaro heron

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heron was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near heron

Cite this Entry

“Heron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heron. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

heron

noun
her·​on ˈher-ən How to pronounce heron (audio)
plural herons also heron
: any of various wading birds with a long neck, long legs, a long thin bill and large wings

More from Merriam-Webster on heron

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