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

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

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

Wildlife already appears on banknotes in the UK, with mackerel, otters, red squirrels and osprey featuring on notes issued by the Royal Bank of Scotland.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

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

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2026

They, too, were greatly affected by DDT, with the number of osprey nests falling to about 50 five decades ago.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 3, 2024

This is not the work of an osprey mom, who protects her baby no matter what.

From "A Bird Will Soar" by Alison Green Myers