# hawk

/ˈhɔk/ (US) · /hˈɔːk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hawk
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. bird of prey

noun · CEFR B1

a large bird with a sharp beak and strong claws that hunts and eats small animals.

For teachers: a diurnal predatory bird of the family Accipitridae, characterized by keen eyesight, a curved beak, and sharp talons.

- The hawk circled high in the sky, looking for a mouse in the field below.
- From its vantage point atop the dead oak, the hawk scanned the meadow for any sign of movement among the tall grasses.

### 2. political hardliner

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

a person in politics who prefers using strong or aggressive actions, like war, instead of talking.

For teachers: an advocate of aggressive or warlike political positions, particularly in foreign policy or military matters.

- The government hawks are calling for more troops to be sent to the border.
- While the diplomats urged further negotiation, the hawks within the administration argued that only a decisive military strike would deter the aggressor.

### 3. plasterer's tool

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a small square board with a handle underneath used by builders to hold plaster.

For teachers: a square board with a handle underneath, used by plasterers or masons to hold mortar or plaster before application.

- The builder held the hawk in one hand and used a trowel to spread the plaster.
- A skilled plasterer keeps the hawk loaded with just enough material to maintain a steady rhythm without causing unnecessary fatigue.

### 4. to sell goods

verb · CEFR B2

to try to sell things by calling out to people in public places.

For teachers: to offer goods for sale, typically by shouting in public spaces or moving from place to place.

- Street vendors were hawking cheap souvenirs to the tourists near the station.
- Throughout the festival, local artisans hawked their wares from makeshift stalls, competing for the attention of the passing crowds.

### 5. to clear the throat

verb · CEFR C1 · Informal

to make a loud, rough noise in your throat to bring up phlegm or mucus.

For teachers: to clear the throat noisily or to cough up phlegm with a harsh, fricative sound.

- He had to hawk and spit before he could start speaking clearly again.
- The old man hawked loudly, clearing his throat of the morning congestion before addressing his visitors.

## Examples

- The military hawk argued for sending more troops to the border.
- During the cabinet meeting, the hawks pushed for immediate economic sanctions despite warnings from diplomatic advisors.
- While the president sought a diplomatic resolution, the hawks within his administration continued to lobby for a preemptive strike to neutralize the perceived threat.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.