seahawk: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Yes, but 'seahawk' is not a formal scientific name. It is a colloquial name most accurately applied to the osprey (Pandion haliaetus), a fish-eating bird of prey found worldwide near coastlines and lakes.

The name was chosen in a public contest in 1975. It was intended to evoke the aggressive, predatory nature of a hawk, combined with the Pacific Northwest's strong maritime identity.

Biologically, the bird called a seahawk (osprey) is not a true hawk or eagle; it is in its own family, Pandionidae. Eagles are generally larger, have feathered legs, and a more varied diet, while ospreys are specialist fish-hunters with reversible outer toes and spiny footpads for gripping fish.

No, 'seahawk' is not used as a verb in standard English. It functions only as a noun (for the bird or the team) or as an attributive noun/adjective (e.g., Seahawks game, seahawk nest).

A colloquial name for various birds of prey that live near the sea and feed on fish, especially the osprey.

Seahawk is usually informal/specialist in register.

Seahawk: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsiː.hɔːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsiː.hɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.