aquiline
adjective
aq·ui·line
ˈa-kwə-ˌlīn 
-lən
1
: curving like an eagle's beak
an aquiline nose
2
: of, relating to, or resembling an eagle
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Aquiline, from the Latin word meaning "eagle", is most often used to describe a nose that has a broad curve and is slightly hooked, like a beak. The aquiline figure on the U.S. seal brandishes the arrows of war and the olive branch of peace. The word for eagle itself, Aquila, has been given to a constellation in the northern hemisphere.
Examples of aquiline in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In a new production at the Theatre Royal Bath, directed by Ralph Fiennes and running through September 6, the aquiline Dame Harriet Walter, 74, takes the part and receives star billing.
—
Matthew Gurewitsch, Air Mail, 16 Aug. 2025
The twinkling eyes, the aquiline nose, the trademark goatee limned in bits of bread and butter.
—Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2022
Pessoa had the aquiline Semitic features of his late father’s side, which included Jewish conversos frog-marched into Christianity during the Inquisition.
—Benjamin Kunkel, Harper's Magazine, 26 Oct. 2021
No two coins are quite alike, but in many, the most prominent features are an aquiline nose and a jutting chin.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 11 Jan. 2021
The lean face, aquiline nose, piercing eyes — all are here from the beginning.
—Michael Dirda, Washington Post, 19 June 2019
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Matthew Gurewitsch, Air Mail, 16 Aug. 2025
The twinkling eyes, the aquiline nose, the trademark goatee limned in bits of bread and butter.
—Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2022
Pessoa had the aquiline Semitic features of his late father’s side, which included Jewish conversos frog-marched into Christianity during the Inquisition.
—Benjamin Kunkel, Harper's Magazine, 26 Oct. 2021
No two coins are quite alike, but in many, the most prominent features are an aquiline nose and a jutting chin.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 11 Jan. 2021
The lean face, aquiline nose, piercing eyes — all are here from the beginning.
—Michael Dirda, Washington Post, 19 June 2019
Cite this Entry
“Aquiline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aquiline. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
aquiline
adjective
aq·ui·line
ˈak-wə-ˌlīn
-lən
1
: of or resembling an eagle
2
: curving like an eagle's beak
an aquiline nose
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