heron

noun

her·​on ˈher-ən 

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

The herons with their silver throats / The star that drives its pulse into the gravel Around the icy stillness of the pool. —Christian Lehnert, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025

All around him, herons and other migratory birds darted between the dead trees that rose above the water, while turtles took shelter in the marsh’s tall grasses. —Chicago Tribune, 11 Aug. 2025

The archipelago, protected as a national park, hums with quiet life—salt flats blush rose in the heat, and mangroves cradle herons in leafy stillness. —Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025

Birdwatchers will love spotting their favorite waterbirds like egrets, herons, and giant cranes. —Rebecca Deurlein, Southern Living, 22 July 2025

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

Phrases Containing heron

• black-crowned night heron
• blue heron
• great blue heron
• great white heron
• green heron
• night heron

Rhymes for heron

• burin
• charon
• herren
• karen
• marron
• perron
• terran
• acheron
• operon
• percheron
• polaron
• lactoferrin

Kids Definition

heron

noun

her·​on ˈher-ən 

plural herons also heron

: any of various wading birds with a long neck, long legs, a long thin bill and large wings