bird of prey

noun phrase

: a carnivorous bird (such as a hawk, eagle, vulture, or owl) that feeds wholly or chiefly on meat taken by hunting or on carrion : raptor

Examples of bird of prey 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.
In action poses with his cape, Doctor Doom looks like a striking bird of prey. — Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 24 Aug. 2026 Visitors can learn about the wildlife through the educational displays, as well as seeing live animals like the bird of prey collection. — Rashad Alexander august 20, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026 Look for a variety of birds of prey, slithering reptiles, and little critters that run from here to there. — Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026 There are also interactive experiences like digging for fossils, encountering cownose stingrays and even observing birds of prey in their desert habitats, completely untethered. — Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bird of prey

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bird of prey was in the 14th century

Rhymes for bird of prey

See All Rhymes for bird of prey

Browse Nearby Words

bird of passage
bird of prey
bird of wonder
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bird of prey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bird%20of%20prey. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bird of prey

: a meat-eating bird (as a hawk) that feeds partly or completely on the animals it hunts

More from Merriam-Webster on bird of prey

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bird of prey

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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