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.

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

Photographer Jack Zhi's dramatic picture of a female peregrine falcon protecting her young has won this year's Bird Photographer of the Year award.

From BBC • Sep. 4, 2023

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

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2023

A bald eagle and a few seagulls fly over the bridge, and a peregrine falcon and waterfowl fly beneath it.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 12, 2022

They were playing peregrine falcon games she had never learned.

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