# talon

/ˈtæɫən/ (US) · /tˈælɒn/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/talon
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a sharp, curved claw on a bird of prey. It is used for catching and killing its prey.

For teachers: a curved, sickle-shaped claw on the foot of a bird of prey, used for grasping and killing prey.

## Examples

- The eagle used its powerful talon to catch the fish.
- The falcon's sharp talon pierced the skin of the rabbit as it dove from the sky.
- The raptor's talon is a marvel of evolutionary engineering, featuring a unique keratin sheath that allows for both incredible grip strength and the ability to tear through tough hide.

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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.