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Beak Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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beak

[biːk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

bird anatomy

The beak is the hard, pointed mouth part of a bird, used for eating, grooming, and sometimes for building nests.

Synonyms

bill, muzzle, snout.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
beak

Primarily used to describe the hard, pointed mouthpart of birds.

  • The eagle's beak is sharp and strong.
  • The parrot used its beak to crack open the nut.
bill

Another term for the beak of a bird, often used interchangeably with 'beak'.

  • The duck dipped its bill into the water.
  • Herons have long, pointed bills.
snout

Specifies the long nose or front part of the head of some animals, such as pigs or crocodiles.

  • The pig used its snout to dig in the soil.
  • The crocodile's snout was just above the water surface.
muzzle

Refers to the projecting part of the face, including the nose and mouth, of an animal such as a dog or horse. Can also refer to a device placed over the mouth of an animal to prevent biting.

  • The dog's muzzle was covered in mud.
  • He placed a muzzle on the horse to keep it calm.

Examples of usage

  • The pelican used its beak to catch fish.
  • The hummingbird's beak is long and slender.
  • The toucan has a colorful beak.
  • The beak of a bird can vary in shape and size depending on the species.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'beak'

The word 'beak' originated from Middle English 'bek', from Old French 'bec', from Latin 'beccus'. The term has been used to refer to the mouthparts of birds since the 13th century.

See also: beaker.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,404, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.