# Hawks

/ˈhɔks/ (US) · /hˈɔːks/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. birds of prey

noun · CEFR B1

large birds that hunt and eat small animals.

For teachers: plural form of the diurnal birds of prey in the family Accipitridae, characterized by sharp talons and curved beaks.

- We saw several hawks circling high above the fields looking for mice.
- The conservationist noted that the population of hawks had rebounded significantly since the ban on certain agricultural pesticides.

### 2. political hardliners

noun · CEFR B2

people in politics who prefer using force or war rather than talking.

For teachers: individuals who advocate for aggressive or warlike policies in foreign affairs, as opposed to 'doves'.

- The hawks in the government wanted to increase military spending immediately.
- Political analysts observed a growing divide between the diplomatic doves and the hawks who demanded a military response to the border dispute.

## Examples

- The hawks circle high above the field looking for mice.
- During the cabinet meeting, the hawks pushed for an immediate military response to the border violation.
- While the doves argued for continued diplomatic engagement, the hawks in the administration maintained that only a show of force would deter further aggression.

---

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.