talon

noun

tal·​on ˈta-lən How to pronounce talon (audio)
1
a
: the claw of an animal and especially of a bird of prey
b
: a finger or hand of a human being
2
: a part or object shaped like or suggestive of a heel or claw: such as
a
: an ogee molding
b
: the shoulder of the bolt of a lock on which the key acts to shoot the bolt
3
a
: cards laid aside in a pile in solitaire
taloned adjective

Examples of talon in a Sentence

The hawk gripped the mouse in its talons.
Recent Examples on the Web A slice of life film that offers a glimpse into the optimism of youthful infatuation, and the bitter realities of aging, living, and loving, Blue Jay's simple story is still meaty enough for its two leads to dig their performative talons into. Lia Beck, EW.com, 12 Jan. 2024 The talon nails Taylor Swift wore to the 2024 Golden Globes are a very important clue as to her next move, at least according to the latest Swiftie chatter on social media. Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 9 Jan. 2024 In previous trials with ravens and parrots, successful birds relied on foot power, pulling up a bit of string with their bill, tucking it under a talon, and then pulling up more. Natalie Angier, New York Times, 12 Nov. 2023 Some collided with the sides of the aviary; others tried to grab the fence with their blunt black talons. Meera Subramanian, The New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2024 Most strikingly, a pair of leathery looking feet, armed with a 12 centimeter talon. Katie Liu, Discover Magazine, 9 Jan. 2024 This spiky talon makes for a formidable weapon when paired with a cassowary’s powerful kicks. Katie Liu, Discover Magazine, 9 Jan. 2024 But sharp-eyed Swifties spotted her talon nail extensions, which were doughnut glazed with extra sparkle added. Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 9 Jan. 2024 For these experiments, the boxes were modified to test falcons with talons and sharp beaks, and baited with a piece of raw red meat. Grrlscientist, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2023

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

Word History

Etymology

Middle English taloun heel, hind claw of a bird of prey, from Anglo-French talun, from Vulgar Latin *talon-, *talo, from Latin talus ankle, anklebone

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of talon was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near talon

Cite this Entry

“Talon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/talon. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

talon

noun
tal·​on ˈtal-ən How to pronounce talon (audio)
: the claw of an animal and especially of a bird of prey

Medical Definition

talon

noun
tal·​on ˈtal-ən How to pronounce talon (audio)
: the crushing region of the crown of an upper molar

More from Merriam-Webster on talon

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