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.

Ms Merriman said the video appeared to show the starlings had been successful as the peregrine falcon was not seen to get any of the birds.

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2025

Partnering with the Urban Raptor Conservancy, Expedia hosts a rooftop peregrine falcon nest — employees can watch nature unfold via a recently installed webcam.

From Seattle Times • May 25, 2024

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

By 1973, there were only five peregrine falcon nesting sites in California, Bell said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2023

No known bird can match the speed of a peregrine falcon in flight.

From "A Bird Will Soar" by Alison Green Myers

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023