egret

noun

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

Illustration of egret

Illustration of egret

Examples of egret 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.
Birders will delight in the biodiversity of this year-round rookery that brings together egrets, herons, ibises, and spoonbills. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 24 May 2025 This great white egret took off into the first light of a spring morning. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025 Tubers can laze the day away taking in stretches of quiet solitude catching herons, egrets and anhinga perched along stands of bald cypress, and the occasional run of waterfront homes. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 May 2025 Last year, more than 100 egrets formed a rookery in the Shady Oaks neighborhood in northwest Burleson. Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for egret

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of egret was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Egret.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/egret. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

egret

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

More from Merriam-Webster on egret

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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