Illustration of tern
: any of various chiefly marine birds (subfamily Sterninae of the family Laridae and especially genus Sterna) that differ from the related gulls in usually smaller size, a more slender build, a sharply pointed bill, narrower wings, and an often forked tail
Examples of tern in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
During their journey, terns must watch out for raptors and gulls that might prey on them.
—
Scott Travers, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024
The refuge’s dunes and salt marshes are a birder’s paradise with species like bald eagles, terns, songbirds, and various waterfowl migrating in and out throughout the year.
—Madeline Weinfield, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2024
Located on the shores of Roebuck Bay in Western Australia, the Broome Bird Observatory is a gathering place for around 100,000 shorebirds and terns as well as other species.
—David Escribano, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2024
In a single day, a tern may fly as much as 300 miles, stopping only briefly to feed.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tern 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Scott Travers, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024
The refuge’s dunes and salt marshes are a birder’s paradise with species like bald eagles, terns, songbirds, and various waterfowl migrating in and out throughout the year.
—Madeline Weinfield, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2024
Located on the shores of Roebuck Bay in Western Australia, the Broome Bird Observatory is a gathering place for around 100,000 shorebirds and terns as well as other species.
—David Escribano, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2024
In a single day, a tern may fly as much as 300 miles, stopping only briefly to feed.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tern
Dictionary Entries Near tern
Cite this Entry
“Tern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tern. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tern
noun
: any of numerous sea birds that often have a forked tail, black cap, and white or gray body and that in comparison to the related gulls have a smaller and slenderer body and bill and narrower wings
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share