English Reference

Word

merlin

Phoneticsmer·lin

US/ˈmɝɫɪn/

UK/mˈɜːlɪn/

Definitions

01a bird of prey

C2 · Science

n. a small, fast falcon that lives in northern parts of the world and hunts small birds.

n. a small species of falcon, Falco columbarius, noted for its speed and agility in hunting small passerines.

“We watched a merlin dive quickly toward the bushes to catch its prey.”

“The merlin is a formidable predator despite its diminutive size, often seen patrolling open moorlands for small birds during the winter months.”

Technical

Synonyms

pigeon hawkfalcon

02the legendary wizard

B2 · Literary

n. the famous wizard who helps King Arthur in old British legends.

n. the legendary figure and powerful enchanter featured in Arthurian myth as a mentor to King Arthur.

“In the story, Merlin uses his magic to help Arthur become the king.”

“Medieval literature often portrays Merlin as a complex figure caught between his prophetic powers and his loyalty to the crown.”

Synonyms

wizardmageenchanter

03a protein

C2 · Medicine

n. a special protein in the body that helps stop tumors from growing.

n. a tumor-suppressor protein, also known as neurofibromin 2, involved in regulating the cytoskeleton.

“Scientists are studying how the merlin protein prevents cancer cells from spreading.”

“Deficiencies in the production of the merlin protein are closely linked to the development of certain types of benign nervous system tumors.”

Technical

Synonyms

neurofibromin 2

Real-World Examples

“Faced with the challenge of making a German royal dynasty seem unmistakably British, she turned to one of Britain’s most powerful national stories: the legends of King Arthur and Merlin .”
Smithsonian Magazine · 24 Aug 2026
“The fleet was surveilled by HMS Duncan, HMS St Albans and HMS Severn, with a Merlin helicopter providing support, officials said.”
The Guardian · 29 Aug 2026

Etymology

From Middle English Merlyn, from Medieval Latin Merlinus and Old French Merlin, from Proto-Brythonic Mor-ðin (literally “sea-hill”), from Proto-Celtic mori (“sea”) + *dūnom (“stronghold, rampart”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry

Level
C2 · Proficiency
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

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English Reference