peregrine falcon

noun

: a swift nearly cosmopolitan falcon (Falco peregrinus) often used in falconry

called also peregrine

Illustration of peregrine falcon

Examples of peregrine falcon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Birdwatchers can keep their eyes on the skies in search of Eurasian sparrowhawks and peregrine falcons, while truly fortunate visitors might be able to catch a glimpse of an Italian wolf skulking through the park in search of prey. —Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025

In the decades that followed, peregrine falcon and bald eagle populations have rebounded, and both species have been removed from the endangered species list. —Chase Hunter, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025

The actor’s commanding, emotionally resonant voice has also been put to use in the likes of Lilo & Stitch (2002), as social worker Cobra Bubbles, and as a peregrine falcon in The Wild Robot (2024). —Skyler Trepel, EW.com, 16 Feb. 2025

Today, its inhabitants are animals, including mountain lions, black bears, bobcats, peregrine falcons and western rattlesnakes. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English faukon peregryn, from Medieval Latin falco peregrinus, literally, pilgrim falcon; from the young being captured wandering from their nests, which were too inaccessible to reach easily

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for peregrine falcon

• alkyne
• malkin

Kids Definition

peregrine falcon

noun

per·​e·​grine falcon

ˈper-ə-grən-,

-ˌgrēn-

: a dark swift widely distributed falcon that can be tamed and trained to hunt game

called also peregrine