peregrine falcon

noun

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

called also peregrine

Illustration of peregrine falcon

Illustration of peregrine falcon

Examples of peregrine falcon 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.
The female peregrine falcon in the nest box has been nesting there since 2016. — Kathryn Kovalenko, Twin Cities, 29 Apr. 2026 An array of raptors (golden eagles and peregrine falcons, to name two) and other bird species have free rein in the skies. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 2026 In most birds of prey, including peregrine falcons, the females are usually bigger. — Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 21 May 2026 Acadia also protects over 47,000 acres of land that are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including peregrine falcons, whose population the park helped restore. — Eve Chen, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for peregrine falcon

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

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

Rhymes for peregrine falcon

See All Rhymes for peregrine falcon

Browse Nearby Words

peregrine
peregrine falcon
peregrinism
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Cite this Entry

“Peregrine falcon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peregrine%20falcon. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on peregrine falcon

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about peregrine falcon

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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