osprey

American  

[os-pree] / ˈɒs pri /

noun

plural

ospreys

1. Also called fish hawk.  a large hawk, Pandion haliaetus, that feeds on fish.

2. a plume for trimming hats.

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osprey British  

/ ˈɒsprɪ, -preɪ /

noun

1. Often called (US and Canadian): fish hawk.  a large broad-winged fish-eating diurnal bird of prey, Pandion haliaetus, with a dark back and whitish head and underparts: family Pandioridae

2. any of the feathers of various other birds, used esp as trimming for hats

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Etymology

Origin of osprey

1425–75; late Middle English ospray ( e ) ≪ Latin ossifraga ossifrage; compare Middle French orfraie, offraie, Old French ospres

Example Sentences

A reintroduction scheme, overseen by the charity, began in 2017, when osprey chicks were brought to Dorset from Scotland and released.

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2026

I believe that the dead bird and fish were dropped by an osprey or an eagle that uses the tree as a resting spot.

From Seattle Times • May 24, 2024

Although osprey can feed on other kinds of fish, they much prefer menhaden because the species schools on the surface, and so are easily accessible.

From New York Times • Jul. 11, 2023

Harry Yeide and I are watching an osprey hover above the Anacostia River at Bladensburg Waterfront Park.

From Washington Post • Apr. 5, 2023

And without the slightest transition he was floating in the air alongside the shaman’s dæmon, Sayan Kotor the osprey.

From "The Subtle Knife" by Philip Pullman