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
The mute swan is a formidable rival to California’s most common native swan, the much smaller tundra swan, which is also differentiated by its straight neck and black beak.
—
Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 22 Oct. 2025
To keep the cattle and other animals away, the owls will huddle together, clacking their beaks to mimic rattlesnakes, which cattle instinctively know to avoid.
—Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Oct. 2025
Bob Ross painting a landscape as his pet crow holds a paintbrush in its beak.
—Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 7 Oct. 2025
Frigate birds began to glide past us, their spearlike beaks and thin, angular wings giving them the prehistoric appearance of pterodactyls.
—Simon Willis, Travel + Leisure, 5 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for beak
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Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 22 Oct. 2025
To keep the cattle and other animals away, the owls will huddle together, clacking their beaks to mimic rattlesnakes, which cattle instinctively know to avoid.
—Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Oct. 2025
Bob Ross painting a landscape as his pet crow holds a paintbrush in its beak.
—Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 7 Oct. 2025
Frigate birds began to glide past us, their spearlike beaks and thin, angular wings giving them the prehistoric appearance of pterodactyls.
—Simon Willis, Travel + Leisure, 5 Oct. 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 Nov. 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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