peregrine falcon

American

noun

a globally distributed falcon, Falco peregrinus, much used in falconry because of its swift flight: several subspecies are endangered.

peregrine falcon British

noun

a falcon, Falco peregrinus, occurring in most parts of the world, having a dark plumage on the back and wings and lighter underparts See also duck hawk

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of peregrine falcon

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

At the Houses of Parliament, he holds a peregrine falcon chick while it is ringed for identification.

From BBC • Dec. 18, 2025

A 60% mortality rate in the first year means it's a "tough gig" being a young peregrine falcon, Dr Hurley observes, adding that such a rate is common among predators.

From BBC • Nov. 7, 2025

Partnering with the Urban Raptor Conservancy, Expedia hosts a rooftop peregrine falcon nest — employees can watch nature unfold via a recently installed webcam.

From Seattle Times • May 25, 2024

“I still have to pinch myself when I see a peregrine falcon: ‘Wow, they’re back.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2023

At the sight of a peregrine falcon they vanished.

From "Frightful's Mountain" by Jean Craighead George

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023