noun
goshawk
GOSH-hawk
Goshawk (noun) means a bird of prey, mainly of the genus Accipiter, that is a kind of hawk. Example: “A goshawk swept low through the trees after a pigeon.”
noun
1
A bird of prey, mainly of the genus Accipiter, that is a kind of hawk.
"A goshawk swept low through the trees after a pigeon."
"Falconers have long prized the goshawk for hunting."
"We were lucky to spot a goshawk over the forest edge."
How to use goshawk
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA large hawk that hunts other birds.
When to use it
It is a neutral word used in birdwatching and falconry.
Memory tip
The name is a compound of goose and hawk, which explains the spelling.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
a northern goshawk
goshawk nest
a pair of goshawks
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A _____ swept low through the trees after a pigeon.
Etymology
Goshawk descends from Middle English goshauk, from Old English gōshafoc, which meant goose hawk. The name reflects the idea that these hawks preyed on geese.
Frequently asked questions
What is a goshawk?
A goshawk is a bird of prey, one of several hawks mainly in the genus Accipiter.
Why is it called a goshawk?
The name comes from Old English words meaning goose and hawk, because these birds were said to hunt geese.
How do you pronounce goshawk?
In British English it is pronounced GOSH-hawk.
What is the meaning of goshawk?
"goshawk" (noun) means a bird of prey, mainly of the genus Accipiter, that is a kind of hawk.
