Word
falcon
Phoneticsfal·con, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfæɫkən/
UK/fˈælkən/
Definitions
01the bird
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a bird of prey with long, pointed wings that is known for flying very fast to catch other animals.
n. any bird of the genus Falco, typically characterized by a hooked beak and long, pointed wings adapted for high-speed flight.
“The falcon dived from the sky at high speed to catch its prey.”
“The peregrine falcon is renowned as the fastest member of the animal kingdom, reaching speeds of over three hundred kilometres per hour during its hunting stoop.”
Synonyms
02historical weapon
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Law Archaic · Technical
n. a small, light type of cannon used hundreds of years ago.
n. a light piece of ordnance or cannon utilized between the 15th and 17th centuries.
“The museum displayed an old falcon used to defend the castle walls.”
“The inventory of the 16th-century fortress listed several falcons among the lighter artillery pieces stationed along the ramparts.”
03to hunt
C2 · Proficiency Sports Literary
v. to hunt animals using a trained falcon.
v. to engage in the sport of hunting with the aid of trained birds of prey.
“In the past, kings and queens would often go out to falcon in the woods.”
“The nobility would frequently falcon across the open moors, a practice that required years of patient training for both the bird and the handler.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“The peregrine falcon travels as far north as Alaska in summer, then some individuals return as far south as South America.” “However, bird enthusiasts who have been observing a live video stream from a particular nest in Lower Manhattan are aware that this hatchling marks the first peregrine falcon to emerge there in several years.” “A pair of peregrine falcons has successfully established a nest at a notable Surrey site for yet another season, according to a charity announcement.” “Peregrine falcons hold the title for the fastest animals on the planet, capable of reaching speeds of 200 mph (322 km/h) when diving to catch their prey.” In Literature
Cover: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons — Designer unknown; published by Knopf.
The Maltese Falcon · 1929-01-01 · Detective fiction, noir fiction
- Author:
- Dashiell Hammett
Dashiell Hammett’s classic 1929 noir novel follows private investigator Sam Spade as he is drawn into a dangerous hunt for a legendary treasure. The story centers on a priceless, jewel-encrusted statuette of a falcon that various criminals are desperate to possess. This bird-shaped artifact serves as the catalyst for a series of betrayals and murders in the dark streets of San Francisco.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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