noun
Uncommon
merlin
MLIHN
Merlin (noun) means a small, fast falcon found across northern parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. Example: “A merlin darted low over the moorland chasing a flock of pipits.”
noun
1
A small, fast falcon found across northern parts of Europe, Asia, and North America.
"A merlin darted low over the moorland chasing a flock of pipits."
How to use merlin
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small, quick falcon; also a well-known name from Arthurian legend.
Common mistake
Don't assume the bird's name and the wizard's name share a root — they come from entirely different origins.
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Word forms
- Plural
- merlins
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A _____ darted low over the moorland chasing a flock of pipits.
Etymology
From Old French emerillon, "small falcon," from a Germanic root meaning the same thing — unrelated to the Arthurian wizard Merlin, which comes from a Welsh name.
Synonyms
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pigeon hawk
Rhymes for merlin
See all rhymes for merlin →Frequently asked questions
What does “merlin” mean?
The word “merlin” means a small, fast falcon found across northern parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. In plain terms, a small, quick falcon; also a well-known name from Arthurian legend.
How do you pronounce “merlin”?
“Merlin” is pronounced MLIHN (/ˈmɝlɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “merlin” in a sentence?
Here is “merlin” used in a sentence: “A merlin darted low over the moorland chasing a flock of pipits.”
What part of speech is “merlin”?
“Merlin” is a noun.
Where does the word “merlin” come from?
The word “merlin” comes from Old French. From Old French emerillon, "small falcon," from a Germanic root meaning the same thing — unrelated to the Arthurian wizard Merlin, which comes from a Welsh name.
Is “merlin” a common word?
“Merlin” is an uncommon word in modern English.
