any of numerous birds of prey of the family Accipitridae, having a short, hooked beak, broad wings, and curved talons, often seen circling or swooping at low altitudes.
any of several similar, unrelated birds, as the nighthawk.
Informal. a person who preys on others, as a con artist.
Also called war hawk. Informal. a person, especially one in public office, who advocates war or a belligerent national attitude.Compare dove1 (def. 5).
any person who pursues an aggressive policy in business, government, etc.: The corporation is now run by a bunch of young hawks.
verb (used without object)
to fly, or hunt on the wing, like a hawk.
to hunt with hawks.
Origin of hawk
1
First recorded before 900; Middle English hauk(e), Old English hafoc; cognate with Old Frisian havek, Old Saxon habuc, Old High German habuh, Old Norse haukr “hawk” perhaps
For a larger bird like a hawk or woodpecker that might try to sink a beak or talon into your skin, call in an expert right away.
How to help an injured bird|Purbita Saha|October 15, 2020|Popular Science
From selling scarves and hawking healthy cookies, Frankel attracted media notice that landed her on TV with Martha Stewart.
Bethenny Frankel Reveals Why She’s an ‘Animal’|Eugene Robinson|September 2, 2020|Ozy
Pieces sold for a hundred dollar or less were soon being hawked online for thousands.
Ikea promises ‘democratic’ design. Has its Virgil Abloh collaboration lived up?|claychandler|August 25, 2020|Fortune
The NSPG meeting defined the official line on the HAWK deal, but it did not address the funding diversion.
How the Reagan White House Bungled Its Response to Iran-Contra Revelations|Malcolm Byrne|November 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Monk said to Hawk, 'You're the great Coleman Hawkins, right?
The Stacks: John Coltrane’s Mighty Musical Quest|Nat Hentoff|October 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Christie was clearly what non-Southern high-end Republicans wanted--a hawk who kept his eye on the bond market.
2016 Just May Be the GOP Base’s Year|Lloyd Green|August 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But the Hawk system, the official noted, is much more difficult to operate than the Russian Buk system.
MH17 Was Awful, but It’s Probably Unique|Dave Majumdar|July 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
At the same time, maybe she should hawk it up a little, especially if Rand Paul is the nominee.
Kudos to Hillary for Playing the Hitler Card|Michael Tomasky|March 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The same God made the eagle, the vulture, the hawk, and their helpless prey.
The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 4 (of 12)|Robert G. Ingersoll
But No. 2, a keen-looking person with the eye of a hawk, was not so easily satisfied.
Allan and the Holy Flower|H. Rider Haggard
Annie-Many-Ponies, turning her eyes disappointedly from the empty mesa, envied the hawk his swift-winged freedom.
The Heritage of the Sioux|B.M. Bower
I might have walked miles and not found a lark which afforded me so much sport, and the hawk such a lung-opener.
The Art and Practice of Hawking|Edward B. Michell
They have no more sympathy for them than a hound has for a hare, or a hawk for a hen, or a tiger for a calf.
New Tabernacle Sermons|Thomas De Witt Talmage
British Dictionary definitions for hawk (1 of 4)
hawk1
/ (hɔːk) /
noun
any of various diurnal birds of prey of the family Accipitridae, such as the goshawk and Cooper's hawk, typically having short rounded wings and a long tailRelated adjective: accipitrine
US and Canadianany of various other falconiform birds, including the falcons but not the eagles or vultures
a person who advocates or supports war or warlike policiesCompare dove 1 (def. 2)
a ruthless or rapacious person
know a hawk from a handsawto be able to judge things; be discerning
verb
(intr)to hunt with falcons, hawks, etc
(intr)(of falcons or hawks) to fly in quest of prey
to pursue or attack on the wing, as a hawk
Derived forms of hawk
hawklike, adjective
Word Origin for hawk
from Shakespeare (Hamlet II:2:375); handsaw is probably a corruption of dialect heronshaw heron Old English hafoc; related to Old Norse haukr, Old Frisian havek, Old High German habuh, Polish kobuz
British Dictionary definitions for hawk (2 of 4)
hawk2
/ (hɔːk) /
verb
to offer (goods) for sale, as in the street
(tr often foll by about) to spread (news, gossip, etc)
Word Origin for hawk
C16: back formation from hawker1
British Dictionary definitions for hawk (3 of 4)
hawk3
/ (hɔːk) /
verb
(intr)to clear the throat noisily
(tr)to force (phlegm) up from the throat
British a slang word for spit 1
noun
a noisy clearing of the throat
Word Origin for hawk
C16: of imitative origin; see haw ²
British Dictionary definitions for hawk (4 of 4)
hawk4
/ (hɔːk) /
noun
a small square board with a handle underneath, used for carrying wet plaster or mortarAlso called: mortar board