osprey

American  

[os-pree] / ˈɒs pri /

noun

ospreys plural

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

2. a plume for trimming hats.

---

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

---

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• ospreys
  plural

Etymology

Origin of osprey

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

Explanation

An osprey is a large bird of prey that feeds on fish. If you see a huge bird dive into the water feet-first and emerge with a fish in its talons, it's probably an osprey. Osprey is derived from the Medieval Latin phrase avis prede, "bird of prey." These stunning raptors are found on every continent except Antarctica, and scientists estimate the species is at least 11 million years old. Ospreys are among the animals that usually mate for life, with pairs building their nests on poles or trees beside a body of water, and returning there year after year.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

osprey ospreys

Vanessa Coolidge, 40, said she’s worried about osprey nests that would need to be relocated for the work, but doesn’t believe anyone is listening.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 9, 2026

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

Male osprey 022 and female CJ7 have nested at Careys Secret Garden near Wareham, Dorset, since 2022.

From BBC ● Mar. 5, 2026

The proposed rule to delist the bald eagle as endangered includes the osprey, which was considered threatened, as well.

From Seattle Times ● Jun. 3, 2024

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

The charity's reserve's officer Paul Waterhouse explained the new pair, Blue 717 and her mate Blue 476, had only fledged one chick last year, which was normal among less-experienced ospreys.

From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026

Several new ospreys chicks have hatched in north Wales over the past fortnight, conservationists have announced.

From BBC ● Jun. 12, 2026

The only pair of breeding ospreys in the south of England have successfully hatched their fourth and final egg of the season.

From BBC ● May 29, 2026

The only pair of breeding ospreys in southern England have hatched their first chick of 2026.

From BBC ● May 23, 2026

For example, in the New Guinea villages where I work, I often see people with pet kangaroos, possums, and birds ranging from flycatchers to ospreys.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond