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
Examples of beak in a Sentence
the beak of a hawk
an actor with a big beak
Recent Examples on the Web
Hudsonian whimbrels, to be exact, shorebirds about the size of crows with long, thin, slightly curved beaks.
—
Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 14 Feb. 2026
To show their enduring affection, mated pairs of vultures synchronize their flight patterns, touch their beaks together in what looks like a kiss and entwine their long necks.
—K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 13 Feb. 2026
Still, Lamb said lovebirds, like other parrots, can sometimes be violent with each other, screaming and pecking one another with beaks powerful enough to crack open seeds.
—ABC News, 13 Feb. 2026
The Seattle Seahawks can finally settle a Super Bowl score with the New England Patriots, who snatched the Lombardi Trophy out of their beaks almost dozen years ago with one the most dramatic defensive stands in pro football history.
—David K. Li, NBC news, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for beak
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Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 14 Feb. 2026
To show their enduring affection, mated pairs of vultures synchronize their flight patterns, touch their beaks together in what looks like a kiss and entwine their long necks.
—K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 13 Feb. 2026
Still, Lamb said lovebirds, like other parrots, can sometimes be violent with each other, screaming and pecking one another with beaks powerful enough to crack open seeds.
—ABC News, 13 Feb. 2026
The Seattle Seahawks can finally settle a Super Bowl score with the New England Patriots, who snatched the Lombardi Trophy out of their beaks almost dozen years ago with one the most dramatic defensive stands in pro football history.
—David K. Li, NBC news, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for beak
Cite this Entry
“Beak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beak. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
beak
noun1
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
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