1
a
: the claw of an animal and especially of a bird of prey
b
: a finger or hand of a human being
2
: a part or object shaped like or suggestive of a heel or claw: such as
a
: an ogee molding
b
: the shoulder of the bolt of a lock on which the key acts to shoot the bolt
3
a
: cards laid aside in a pile in solitaire
b
Examples of talon in a Sentence
The hawk gripped the mouse in its talons.
Recent Examples on the Web
Remember, what separates raptors from all other bird species is their carnivorous diet and hunting ability, including sharp talons, hooked beaks, keen eyesight and powerful flight muscles.
—
Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025
The eagles, with a wing span approaching eight feet, can spot fish from a great height and swoop in, talons outstretched, to pick up their dinner.
—Phil Thomas, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2025
Unlike most birds of prey, ospreys can rotate their outer toes to grasp fish with two talons facing forward and two facing back, giving them a better grip mid-flight.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
Wild raptors like eagles, hawks, and falcons, need this continual keratin growth to keep their beaks and talons sharp for hunting.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for talon
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Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025
The eagles, with a wing span approaching eight feet, can spot fish from a great height and swoop in, talons outstretched, to pick up their dinner.
—Phil Thomas, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2025
Unlike most birds of prey, ospreys can rotate their outer toes to grasp fish with two talons facing forward and two facing back, giving them a better grip mid-flight.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
Wild raptors like eagles, hawks, and falcons, need this continual keratin growth to keep their beaks and talons sharp for hunting.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for talon
Cite this Entry
“Talon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/talon. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
talon
noun
tal·on
ˈtal-ən 
: the claw of an animal and especially of a bird of prey
Medical Definition
talon
noun
tal·on
ˈtal-ən
: the crushing region of the crown of an upper molar
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