beak
beek
Beak (noun) means the hard, pointed structure at the front of a bird's face, used for eating, grooming, and carrying things. Example: “The toucan used its enormous beak to reach the fruit.”
noun
1
The hard, pointed structure at the front of a bird's face, used for eating, grooming, and carrying things.
"The toucan used its enormous beak to reach the fruit."
"A woodpecker's beak is built to withstand constant hammering."
2
Informal British slang for a person's nose, especially a large or pointed one.
"Mind you don't bang that beak of yours on the door frame."
3
British slang for a magistrate or judge.
"He was hauled up in front of the beak for speeding."
How to use beak
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA bird's pointed mouthpart, or (informally) a big nose or a magistrate.
When to use it
The "nose" and "magistrate" senses are informal, mainly British.
Common pairings
a sharp beak
up before the beak
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Word forms
- Plural
- beaks
- Third person singular
- beaks
- Past tense
- beaked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The toucan used its enormous _____ to reach the fruit.
Etymology
From Old French bec, ultimately from a Gaulish Celtic word meaning "pointed stick" or "peg."
Related words
Rhymes for beak
See all rhymes for beak →Frequently asked questions
What does “beak” mean?
The word “beak” means the hard, pointed structure at the front of a bird's face, used for eating, grooming, and carrying things. In plain terms, a bird's pointed mouthpart, or (informally) a big nose or a magistrate.
How do you pronounce “beak”?
“Beak” is pronounced beek (/biːk/ in IPA).
How do you use “beak” in a sentence?
Here is “beak” used in a sentence: “The toucan used its enormous beak to reach the fruit.”
What part of speech is “beak”?
“Beak” is a noun.
Where does the word “beak” come from?
The word “beak” comes from Old French. From Old French bec, ultimately from a Gaulish Celtic word meaning "pointed stick" or "peg.".
Is “beak” a common word?
“Beak” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “beak” have?
“Beak” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the hard, pointed structure at the front of a bird's face, used for eating, grooming, and carrying things.
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