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
This change likely helped these Anna’s hummingbirds conserve heat, since their beaks help with thermoregulation, as the team showed with an infrared camera.
—
Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 May 2025
For instance, seeing details of the tiny bones in the roof of its mouth are helping scientists understand how modern birds eventually developed the ability to move their beaks independent of the part of the skull that holds their brain.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 14 May 2025
The birds poke holes in leaves and then, using their beak as a needle, stitch them together with bits of spider web, plant fibers, or other string-like materials.
—Benji Jones, Vox, 9 May 2025
The animals have longer beaks, a more slender build and more distinctive dorsal fins than common bottlenose dolphins, according to Whale and Dolphin Conservation, a nonprofit.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for beak
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Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 May 2025
For instance, seeing details of the tiny bones in the roof of its mouth are helping scientists understand how modern birds eventually developed the ability to move their beaks independent of the part of the skull that holds their brain.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 14 May 2025
The birds poke holes in leaves and then, using their beak as a needle, stitch them together with bits of spider web, plant fibers, or other string-like materials.
—Benji Jones, Vox, 9 May 2025
The animals have longer beaks, a more slender build and more distinctive dorsal fins than common bottlenose dolphins, according to Whale and Dolphin Conservation, a nonprofit.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 8 May 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 3 Jun. 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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