golden eagle

noun

: a dark brown eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) of the northern hemisphere with gold-colored feathers on the back of the head and neck, a gray beak, and yellow legs and feet

Illustration of golden eagle

Illustration of golden eagle

Examples of golden eagle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web One of the two men accused of shooting and killing roughly 3,600 rare birds, including bald and golden eagles, has agreed to plead guilty while the other suspect remains at large, according to new federal court filings in Montana. Sean Neumann, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2024 The men also face more than a dozen counts of trafficking bald and golden eagles, and one count of conspiracy, court records show. USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2024 Two men were indicted on more than a dozen counts this week after being accused by authorities of shooting and killing roughly 3,600 bald and golden eagles and then selling their feathers on the black market for more than half a decade. Sean Neumann, Peoplemag, 13 Dec. 2023 Harvey Hugs, 60, of Hardin, Mont., who was previously convicted of trafficking golden eagle feathers, wings and tails in violation of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, was sentenced to three years in federal prison for related gun violations. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 31 Jan. 2024 The golden eagle population in the interior western United States was estimated to be about 31,800 in 2016. Andrew Jeong, Washington Post, 14 Dec. 2023 Prosecutors recorded at least 11 incidents in which a whole golden eagle or its body parts were sold, and at least two incidents in which a bald eagle or its body parts were sold. Andrew Jeong, Washington Post, 14 Dec. 2023 French, Bridle, and Stream Trail Loop Just east of Oakland sits Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, a 1,833-acre green space home to a forest of 150-foot coast redwoods and wildlife like golden eagles and deer. Jenna Scatena, Travel + Leisure, 17 Nov. 2023 Whereas a wind farm that will kill golden eagles is tangible, easy to grasp. Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'golden eagle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of golden eagle was in 1676

Dictionary Entries Near golden eagle

Cite this Entry

“Golden eagle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/golden%20eagle. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

golden eagle

noun
: a dark brown eagle of the northern regions that has brownish yellow head and neck feathers

More from Merriam-Webster on golden eagle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!