eagle

American  

[ee-guhl] / ˈi gəl /

noun

1. any of several large, soaring birds of prey belonging to the hawk family Accipitridae, noted for their size, strength, and powers of flight and vision: formerly widespread in North America, eagles are mostly confined to Alaska and a few isolated populations.

2. a figure or representation of an eagle, much used as an emblem.

   the Roman eagle.

3. a standard, seal, or the like bearing such a figure.

4. one of a pair of silver insignia in the shape of eagles with outstretched wings worn by a colonel in the U.S. Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps and by a captain in the U.S. Navy.

5. Eagle, a gold coin of the United States, traded for investment, available in denominations of 5, 10, 25, and 50 dollars containing 1/10 to 1 troy ounce of gold, having on its reverse a picture of an eagle: first issued in 1986.

6. a former gold coin of the United States, issued until 1933, equal to 10 dollars, showing an eagle on its reverse.

7. Golf. a score of two below par for any single hole.

8. Astronomy. Eagle, the constellation Aquila.

9. Cards.

   1. a representation in green of an eagle, used on playing cards to designate a suit in the pack additional to the four standard suits.

   2. a card of a suit so designated.

   3. eagles, the suit itself.

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verb (used with object)

eagled, eagling

1. Golf. to make an eagle on (a hole).

eagle British  

/ ˈiːɡəl /

noun

1. any of various birds of prey of the genera Aquila, Harpia, etc, having large broad wings and strong soaring flight: family Accipitridae (hawks, etc) See also golden eagle harpy eagle sea eagle

2. a representation of an eagle used as an emblem, etc, esp representing power

   the Roman eagle

3. a standard, seal, etc, bearing the figure of an eagle

4. golf a score of two strokes under par for a hole

5. a former US gold coin worth ten dollars: withdrawn from circulation in 1934

6. the shoulder insignia worn by a US full colonel or equivalent rank

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verb

1. golf to score two strokes under par for a hole

Etymology

Origin of eagle

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English egle, from Anglo-French, Old French egle, aigle, from Latin aquila, noun use of feminine of aquilus “dark-colored”

Example Sentences

The world number 11 then shot a two-under 70 in his fourth round, thanks to an eagle at the par-four 17.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

MacIntyre then twice made birdie before immediately dropping a shot in his final round, and Spaun sprinted to the clubhouse lead with three birdies plus an eagle on the driveable 17th.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

Video footage posted by the nonprofit shows a closeup of the cracked shell in the nest as winds blow and an eagle stands guard.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

After ravens destroyed their first clutch, eagle power couple Jackie and Shadow laid new eggs — sending their vast fanbase into celebration.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

The creature had the hind legs of a lion cub and the wings and forelegs of an eagle, white-feathered and tufty.

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell

Related Words

• aviator
• captain
• flier
• leader
• navigator