hawk

/hɔːk/

Looking for the meaning of hawk? Explore definitions, parts of speech, and usage examples below.

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noun
01

A diurnal predatory bird of the family Accipitridae, smaller than an eagle.

It is illegal to hunt hawks or other raptors in many parts of the world.

02

Any diurnal predatory terrestrial bird of similar size and appearance to the accipitrid hawks, such as a falcon

03

An advocate of aggressive political positions and actions.

04

An uncooperative or purely-selfish participant in an exchange or game, especially when untrusting, acquisitive or treacherous. Refers specifically to the Prisoner's Dilemma, alias the Hawk-Dove game.

SYNONYMS:war hawkwarmonger
verb
01

To hunt with a hawk.

02

To make an attack while on the wing; to soar and strike like a hawk.

to hawk at flies

Understanding "hawk"

The word **"hawk"** is a **noun** in the English language. It is phonetically pronounced as **/hɔːk/**. Explore the detailed meaning, morphological structure, and usage examples for **"hawk"** in our dictionary below.

The English language is incredibly vast, and diving into the definition of the word "hawk" provides a perfect example of its linguistic depth. Categorized primarily as a noun, the term "hawk" holds specific syntactical roles within a sentence, allowing speakers and writers to convey precise meaning. Understanding how this word functions is an excellent step towards mastering advanced English vocabulary and improving overall reading comprehension.

For those looking to perfect their spoken English, noting the phonetic pronunciation of "hawk" is crucial. It is typically transcribed as /hɔːk/. Proper enunciation ensures that your intended message is received clearly, preventing miscommunication in both formal and casual settings. Linguistic scholars often track the phonological evolution of words like "hawk" to understand broader historical shifts in dialects and accents across different English-speaking populations.

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Our comprehensive dictionary tool is designed to provide immediate, reliable definitions for thousands of terms, including "hawk". By consistently exploring the nuances of vocabulary—including phonetics (/hɔːk/), part of speech (noun), and usage examples—you can significantly expand your linguistic repertoire. Bookmark this page as a quick reference tool whenever you encounter "hawk" in reading materials or wish to incorporate it into your active vocabulary.

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How do I use hawk in a sentence?

Refer to the usage examples above to see how "hawk" can be used in academic and casual conversations.