# vulture

/ˈvəɫtʃɝ/ (US) · /vˈʌltʃɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/vulture
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. the bird

noun · CEFR B2

a large bird that eats the meat of animals that are already dead.

For teachers: any of several large birds of prey that feed primarily on carrion.

- We saw a vulture circling high in the sky above the desert.
- The vulture plays a vital role in the ecosystem by disposing of animal remains that might otherwise spread disease.

### 2. a greedy person

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

a person who waits for others to fail or suffer so they can take something for themselves.

For teachers: a person who preys on others, especially by exploiting their misfortunes for financial or personal gain.

- The lawyers were like vultures, waiting for the company to go bankrupt.
- He was described as a corporate vulture, buying struggling family businesses only to sell off their assets for a quick profit.

### 3. to hover greedily

verb · CEFR C2 · Informal · Slang

to hang around a person or place because you are waiting to take something.

For teachers: to hover or circle around a target in an opportunistic or predatory manner.

- Stop vulturing around my desk waiting for me to finish my lunch.
- The paparazzi were vulturing outside the hospital, hoping to catch a glimpse of the celebrity leaving the private wing.

## Examples

- The vulture circled high above the desert looking for food.
- As soon as the company declared bankruptcy, the vultures arrived to buy up its assets for almost nothing.
- While ecologically vital for preventing the spread of disease, the vulture has long served as a literary symbol for those who thrive on the decay of others' fortunes.

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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.