gyrfalcon

[ jur-fawl-kuhn, -fal-, -faw-kuhn ]

noun

1. a large falcon, Falco rusticolus, of Arctic and subarctic regions, having white, gray, or blackish color phases: now greatly reduced in number.

gyrfalcon

/ -ˌfɔːkən; ˈdʒɜːˌfɔːlkən /

noun

1. a very large rare falcon, Falco rusticolus, of northern and arctic regions: often used for hunting

Word History and Origins

Origin of gyrfalcon¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English gerfaucon, jerfacoun, from Middle French, Old French, equivalent to ger- (perhaps from Old High German giri “greedy”) + faucon falcon; compare Old Norse geirfalki

Word History and Origins

Origin of gyrfalcon¹

C14: from Old French gerfaucon, perhaps from Old Norse geirfalki, from geirr spear + falki falcon

Example Sentences

The gyrfalcon can certainly not catch a phalarope in flight.

From Project Gutenberg

The Gyrfalcon is the best-proportioned and most active member of the Falcon tribe.

From Project Gutenberg

This bird is as large as the Gyrfalcon, but, although equal in cunning and address, is possessed of less courage.

From Project Gutenberg

A dead Arctic tern was on the beach only 90 feet away and visible to the gyrfalcon.

From Project Gutenberg

Westley Redhead told us that a gyrfalcon was at Umiat as early as the latter part of May, 1952.

From Project Gutenberg