1
a
: the bill of a bird
especially
: a strong short broad bill
b(1)
: the elongated sucking mouth of some insects (such as the true bugs)
(2)
: any of various rigid projecting mouth structures (as of a turtle)
c
: the human nose
2
: a pointed structure or formation:
a
: a metal-pointed beam projecting from the bow especially of an ancient galley for piercing an enemy ship
b
: the spout of a vessel
c
: a continuous slight architectural projection ending in an arris see molding illustration
d
: a process suggesting the beak of a bird
3
Examples of beak in a Sentence
the beak of a hawk
an actor with a big beak
Recent Examples on the Web
When the team’s mascot, Eddie the Eagle, became sick, Pearl came off the bench and donned the bird beak and feathers for one game during March Madness.
—
John Raby, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains were modeled after the streamlined beak of the kingfisher to reduce noise and improve efficiency.
—Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 26 Feb. 2025
Curlew was named for the scar on her back that resembles the beak of a curlew, a large wading bird.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 6 Feb. 2025
Skulls are where the most characteristic features of modern birds, such as a lack of teeth and an enlarged premaxillary bone in the upper beak, can be identified.
—Katie Hunt, CNN, 5 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for beak
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John Raby, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains were modeled after the streamlined beak of the kingfisher to reduce noise and improve efficiency.
—Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 26 Feb. 2025
Curlew was named for the scar on her back that resembles the beak of a curlew, a large wading bird.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 6 Feb. 2025
Skulls are where the most characteristic features of modern birds, such as a lack of teeth and an enlarged premaxillary bone in the upper beak, can be identified.
—Katie Hunt, CNN, 5 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for beak
Cite this Entry
“Beak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beak. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
beak
noun1
a
: the bill of a bird
especially
: the bill of a bird of prey adapted for striking and tearing
b
: any of various rigid mouth structures (as of a turtle) that stick out
also
: the long sucking mouth of some insects
c
: the human nose
2
: a part shaped like a beak
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