beak

noun

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
chiefly British
beaked adjective
beaky adjective

Examples of beak in a Sentence

the beak of a hawk an actor with a big beak
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.
With beaks chock-full of vegetation, these seabirds - always somewhat clumsy-looking on land - were simply hilarious. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 Other biologists had studied beak changes in the birds for decades. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 11 Oct. 2024 One goose, named Edes, was preening quietly; others were resting with their beaks pointed tailward, nestled into their feathers. Rivka Galchen, The New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2024 When Woodpecker removed her feathers and long beak, Black-ish actress Marsai Martin appeared. Dana Rose Falcone, People.com, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for beak 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English bec, from Anglo-French, from Latin beccus, of Gaulish origin

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of beak was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near beak

Cite this Entry

“Beak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beak. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

beak

noun
1
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
beaked adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on beak

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!