First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1hawk
noun \ˈhȯk\
Definition of HAWK
1
: any of numerous diurnal birds of prey belonging to a suborder (Falcones of the order Falconiformes) and including all the smaller members of this group; especially : accipiter
2
: a small board or metal sheet with a handle on the underside used to hold mortar
3
: one who takes a militant attitude and advocates immediate vigorous action; especially : a supporter of a war or warlike policy — compare dove
— hawk·ish \ˈhȯ-kish\ adjective
— hawk·ish·ly adverb
— hawk·ish·ness noun
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Origin of HAWK
Middle English hauk, from Old English hafoc; akin to Old High German habuh hawk, Russian kobets a falcon
2hawk
verb
Definition of HAWK
intransitive verb
1
: to hunt birds by means of a trained hawk
2
: to soar and strike like a hawk
transitive verb
: to hunt on the wing like a hawk
First Known Use of HAWK
14th century
3hawk
verb
Definition of HAWK
transitive verb
: to raise by trying to clear the throat <hawk up phlegm>
intransitive verb
: to utter a harsh guttural sound in or as if in hawking
Origin of HAWK
imitative
First Known Use: 1581
4hawk
noun
Definition of HAWK
: an audible effort to force up phlegm from the throat
First Known Use of HAWK
1604
5hawk
verb
Definition of HAWK
transitive verb
: to offer for sale by calling out in the street <hawking newspapers>; broadly : sell
Origin of HAWK
back-formation from 2hawker
First Known Use: 1713
HAWK Defined for Kids
1hawk
noun \ˈhȯk\
Definition of HAWK for Kids
: a bird of prey that has a strong hooked bill and sharp curved claws and is smaller than most eagles
2hawk
verb
hawkedhawk·ing
Definition of HAWK for Kids
: to offer for sale by calling out <hawk newspapers>
— hawk·er noun
3hawk
verb
hawkedhawking
Definition of HAWK for Kids
: to make a harsh coughing sound in clearing the throat
Learn More About HAWK
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