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
Cynthia Erivo doesn’t think her talon nails get in the way of her bathroom duties.
—
Daniel S. Levine, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024
Having this remarkable 15-pound bird perched on my glove with its 5-inch talons wrapped around my wrist was a profound moment that reminded me of Jim Fowler’s connection with this majestic species and his lifelong passion for wildlife conservation.
—Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
Before her debut album, 2000’s Whoa, Nelly!, grabbed the world by its talons, Nelly Furtado spent months petitioning radio stations to play her songs, sweetening the deal with a free pizza pie.
—Emma Madden, Vulture, 20 Sep. 2024
Artificial talons have never produced something more authentically wonderful.
—The New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for talon 
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Daniel S. Levine, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024
Having this remarkable 15-pound bird perched on my glove with its 5-inch talons wrapped around my wrist was a profound moment that reminded me of Jim Fowler’s connection with this majestic species and his lifelong passion for wildlife conservation.
—Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
Before her debut album, 2000’s Whoa, Nelly!, grabbed the world by its talons, Nelly Furtado spent months petitioning radio stations to play her songs, sweetening the deal with a free pizza pie.
—Emma Madden, Vulture, 20 Sep. 2024
Artificial talons have never produced something more authentically wonderful.
—The New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for talon
Dictionary Entries Near talon
Cite this Entry
“Talon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/talon. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
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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