merlin

¹

[mur-lin]

noun

1. a small, bold falcon, Falco columbarius, of the Northern Hemisphere.

Merlin

²

[mur-lin]

noun

1. Arthurian Legend.,  a venerable magician and seer.

2. a male given name.

Merlin

¹

/ ˈmɜːlɪn /

noun

1. (in Arthurian legend) a wizard and counsellor to King Arthur eternally imprisoned in a tree by a woman to whom he revealed his secret craft

merlin

²

/ ˈmɜːlɪn /

noun

1. a small falcon, Falco columbarius, that has a dark plumage with a black-barred tail: used in falconry See also pigeon hawk

Merlin

1. In the legends of King Arthur (see also Arthur), a magician who acts as Arthur's principal adviser.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Merlin¹

1350–1400; Middle English merlioun, merlone < Anglo-French merilun, Old French esmerillon, diminutive of esmeril < Germanic; akin to German Schmerl, Old Norse smyrill

Word History and Origins

Origin of Merlin¹

C14: from Old French esmerillon, from esmeril, of Germanic origin

Example Sentences

I would suggest some additional fine points to its content regarding the emphasis on the black merlin that keeps us company and provides moments of splendor and beauty for inquiring eyes.

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In Seattle neighborhoods, they include merlins, smaller-than-a-crow falcons that first showed up here some 20 years ago.

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If you’re lucky, you might spot a golden eagle, northern goshawk, peregrine falcon or a merlin.

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While officials have shot some merlins, they’re looking for nonlethal controls.

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Over the course of the trip we saw many species — ospreys, bald eagles, marsh hawks, great blue herons, ibises, egrets, Wilson’s plovers, a merlin, a wood stork, and numberless gulls and shore birds.

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