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What is the Meaning of “Hawk”?

Hawk
/hɔːk/

A bird that hunts other animals for food, known for being fast and powerful hunters.

Definition of Hawk

Quick Meaning of Hawk

A bird that hunts other animals for food, known for being fast and powerful hunters.

Detailed Definition of Hawk

A large bird of prey with sharp claws and excellent eyesight.

How to Pronounce Hawk

IPA: /hɔːk/
hawk

Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).

Tip: One syllable, rhymes with 'rock' /hɔːk/, stress: HAWK.

Full pronunciation guide for “hawk” →

Origin and Etymology of Hawk

From Old English hafoc, related to Germanic roots meaning to seize.

How to Use Hawk in a Sentence

Each example shows “hawk” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.

  • “A hawk flew over the field looking for mice.”
    A2 daily
  • “The hawk has sharp eyes that help it see very far away.”
    A2 academic
  • “In medieval times, nobles trained hawks for hunting sport.”
    B1 written

Synonyms and Antonyms of Hawk

Common Synonyms for Hawk

Smart Synonyms for Hawk — When to Use Each

raptor
Scientific term for hunting birds
bird of prey
General category including eagles
predator
Any hunting animal

See all synonyms for “hawk” →

Common Collocations with Hawk

These phrases pair with “hawk” in everyday English:

  • hawk eye
  • sharp hawk
  • hunting hawk
  • hawk in flight

Common Mistakes When Using Hawk

Even fluent speakers slip up with “hawk”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:

✗ Wrong:
✓ Correct: The hawk is flying over us.
✗ Wrong:
✓ Correct: I saw two hawks in the tree.

Words Confused With Hawk

  • Hawk vs Falcon: Both are birds of prey with talons, but falcons are smaller and use speed over strength. Compare →
  • Hawk vs Eagle: Both are large raptors, but eagles are bigger and have broader wings for soaring. Compare →

Other Forms of Hawk

Frequently Asked Questions About Hawk

What is the meaning of "Hawk"?

A bird that hunts other animals for food, known for being fast and powerful hunters.

How do you pronounce "Hawk"?

The IPA is /hɔːk/. One syllable, rhymes with 'rock' /hɔːk/, stress: HAWK.

What part of speech is "Hawk"?

"Hawk" is a noun at A2 level (Common European Framework).

What are synonyms for "Hawk"?

Common synonyms include raptor, bird of prey, predator.

How do you use "Hawk" in a sentence?

For example: "A hawk flew over the field looking for mice."

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