goshawk: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical (Ornithology), Literary
Quick answer
What does “goshawk” mean?
A large, powerful hawk of northern forests, having short, broad wings and a long tail, noted for its fierce hunting of birds and small mammals.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large, powerful hawk of northern forests, having short, broad wings and a long tail, noted for its fierce hunting of birds and small mammals.
The term can be used ornithologically to refer to any bird in the genus Accipiter, especially the Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis). It sometimes appears in heraldry and literature as a symbol of keen sight, aggression, or nobility.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The Northern Goshawk is a native species in both regions.
Connotations
Similar connotations of power and wildness in both varieties. Possibly more familiar to UK audiences through historical falconry texts.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, slightly higher in UK due to its status as a native breeding bird and historical falconry connections.
Grammar
How to Use “goshawk” in a Sentence
The goshawk [verb of motion: soared, dived, perched].A/The goshawk [hunted, caught, killed] its prey.We [spotted, observed, identified] a goshawk.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “goshawk” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The goshawk population in Scotland is carefully monitored.
- He admired the bird's goshawk-like intensity.
American English
- The goshawk survey in the Rockies yielded new data.
- Her approach was goshawk-focused and relentless.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused. Potential metaphorical use in competitive strategy: 'The company acted with goshawk-like precision.'
Academic
Used in ornithology, ecology, and zoology papers.
Everyday
Rare. Likely only among birdwatchers, naturalists, or in regions where the bird is common.
Technical
Standard term in ornithology and falconry.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “goshawk”
- Misspelling as 'gosshawk' or 'gos-hawk'.
- Using it as a generic term for any large hawk (e.g., confusing it with a Red-tailed Hawk).
- Incorrect pronunciation with /ʃ/ (like 'gosh-awk') instead of /s/ + /h/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. They are closely related (same genus, Accipiter) but different species. The goshawk is significantly larger and more powerful than the sparrowhawk.
No, 'goshawk' is exclusively a noun. You cannot 'to goshawk' something.
No, it is a low-frequency, specialised term. Most people would simply say 'a large hawk' unless they are birdwatchers, falconers, or in a specific technical context.
The name comes from Old English 'gōshafoc', a compound of 'gōs' (goose) and 'hafoc' (hawk), likely because it was historically used to hunt birds as large as geese.
A large, powerful hawk of northern forests, having short, broad wings and a long tail, noted for its fierce hunting of birds and small mammals.
Goshawk is usually formal, technical (ornithology), literary in register.
Goshawk: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡɒs.hɔːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡɑːs.hɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Eyes like a goshawk (very keen sight).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GOOSE being hunted by a HAWK = GOSHAWK.
Conceptual Metaphor
A GOSHAWK IS A FEROCIOUS/PRECISE HUNTER. (e.g., 'His goshawk gaze missed nothing.')
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most accurate description of a goshawk?