noun

gyrfalcon

JER-fawl-kuhn

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Gyrfalcon (noun) means a gyrfalcon is Falco rusticolus, a large bird of prey that breeds on Arctic coasts and islands of North America, Europe and Asia. Example: “Falconers once flew gyrfalcons at herons.”

noun

A gyrfalcon is Falco rusticolus, a large bird of prey that breeds on Arctic coasts and islands of North America, Europe and Asia.

"Falconers once flew gyrfalcons at herons."

"A gyrfalcon swooped down from the cliff to catch its prey."

"Gyrfalcons breed on remote Arctic coastlines."

How to use gyrfalcon

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA gyrfalcon is a large falcon that breeds in the Arctic.

When to use it

Gyrfalcon is a specific, neutral term used mainly in ornithology and nature writing.

Memory tip

The initial g is pronounced like the j in jam, not like the g in go.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

a gyrfalcon nest an Arctic gyrfalcon spot a gyrfalcon gyrfalcon breeding grounds

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “gyrfalcon” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Falconers once flew _____ at herons.

Etymology

The word came into English from Old French gerfaucon, related to modern French gerfaut. Its first part probably traces back to an Old High German word for vulture, the same root behind the German word Geier.

Origin: Old French

Rhymes for gyrfalcon

falcon

See all rhymes for gyrfalcon →

Frequently asked questions

What is a gyrfalcon?

A gyrfalcon is a large falcon, Falco rusticolus, that breeds on Arctic coasts and islands.

Where do gyrfalcons live?

They breed on Arctic coastlines and islands across North America, Europe and Asia.

Was the gyrfalcon always used for this one species?

No, the word once referred to any large falcon flown at herons before it came to mean specifically Falco rusticolus.

What is the meaning of gyrfalcon?

"gyrfalcon" (noun) means a gyrfalcon is Falco rusticolus, a large bird of prey that breeds on Arctic coasts and islands of North America, Europe and Asia.