osprey

[ os-pree ]

noun

, plural os·preys.

1. Also called fish hawk. a large hawk, Pandion haliaetus, that feeds on fish.
2. a plume for trimming hats.

osprey

/ ˈɒsprɪ; -preɪ /

noun

1. a large broad-winged fish-eating diurnal bird of prey, Pandion haliaetus, with a dark back and whitish head and underparts: family Pandioridae Often called (US and Canadian)fish hawk
2. any of the feathers of various other birds, used esp as trimming for hats

Word History and Origins

Origin of osprey¹

1425–75; late Middle English ospray ( e ) ≪ Latin ossifraga ossifrage; compare Middle French orfraie, offraie, Old French ospres

Word History and Origins

Origin of osprey¹

C15: from Old French ospres, apparently from Latin ossifraga, literally: bone-breaker, from os bone + frangere to break

Example Sentences

Its native grasses and forested hillsides host nesting ospreys and more than 200 other bird species, along with mule deer, wild turkeys, coyotes and the rare pipevine swallowtail butterfly.

From Los Angeles Times

The chemical had “lasting impacts on the food chain” because it was ingested by the fish the eagles and ospreys ate, making the shells of eggs too thin.

From Seattle Times

But they are out there, along with the Cooper’s hawks and peregrine falcons and ospreys and eagles.

From Seattle Times

I believe that the dead bird and fish were dropped by an osprey or an eagle that uses the tree as a resting spot.

From Seattle Times

We’ll have a circular flight track allowing raptors like osprey and peregrine falcons to practice continuous flight, leading to quicker recovery times.

From Seattle Times