Illustration of osprey
- osprey 1
osprey
noun
os·prey ˈä-sprē 
-ˌsprā
-ˌsprā plural ospreys
1
: a large fish-eating hawk (Pandion haliaetus) with long wings that is dark brown above and mostly pure white below
2
: a feather trimming used for millinery
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Rent a kayak from Paulou’s Beach and Kayak Rentals and set out on your own to skim the surface of serene Fort Bayou, a subtidal river that empties into the Gulf, and keep an eye out for osprey and other seabirds. 
Jennifer Kornegay, ajc, 15 Aug. 2022 In addition, The Cornell Lab points out that the osprey is the only hawk on the continent that eats live fish almost exclusively. Maureen Mackey, Fox News, 24 July 2022 Early migrants reported from Santuit Pond in Mashpee included a great-crested flycatcher and a blue-gray gnatcatcher, and other sightings included a blue-winged teal, 68 ring-necked ducks, 2 bald eagles, and 16 osprey. BostonGlobe.com, 13 Apr. 2022 The department reported most recently in 2020 that 126 osprey nests were reported to be active in the state. Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 30 Mar. 2022 In one breath, your guide might point out an osprey or a majestic heron and, in the next, describe the square footage and multimillion-dollar glamour of some of the homes lining the lakes. Joy Wallace Dickinson, orlandosentinel.com, 23 Jan. 2022 Tibet-Butler Preserve serves as a green space in the shadow of Walt Disney World that provides a haven for turtles, alligators, songbirds and osprey. Patrick Connolly, orlandosentinel.com, 31 Dec. 2021 One of them is the osprey, nesting on all continents except Antarctica. Jim Williams, Star Tribune, 18 May 2021 Read full article Berkshire County: The area has been hosting a brant at Mt. Williams Reservoir in North Adams, a dickcissel in Williamstown, and a Barrow’s goldeneye and an osprey at Richmond Pond in Richmond. BostonGlobe.com, 13 Nov. 2021 See More
Jennifer Kornegay, ajc, 15 Aug. 2022 In addition, The Cornell Lab points out that the osprey is the only hawk on the continent that eats live fish almost exclusively. Maureen Mackey, Fox News, 24 July 2022 Early migrants reported from Santuit Pond in Mashpee included a great-crested flycatcher and a blue-gray gnatcatcher, and other sightings included a blue-winged teal, 68 ring-necked ducks, 2 bald eagles, and 16 osprey. BostonGlobe.com, 13 Apr. 2022 The department reported most recently in 2020 that 126 osprey nests were reported to be active in the state. Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 30 Mar. 2022 In one breath, your guide might point out an osprey or a majestic heron and, in the next, describe the square footage and multimillion-dollar glamour of some of the homes lining the lakes. Joy Wallace Dickinson, orlandosentinel.com, 23 Jan. 2022 Tibet-Butler Preserve serves as a green space in the shadow of Walt Disney World that provides a haven for turtles, alligators, songbirds and osprey. Patrick Connolly, orlandosentinel.com, 31 Dec. 2021 One of them is the osprey, nesting on all continents except Antarctica. Jim Williams, Star Tribune, 18 May 2021 Read full article Berkshire County: The area has been hosting a brant at Mt. Williams Reservoir in North Adams, a dickcissel in Williamstown, and a Barrow’s goldeneye and an osprey at Richmond Pond in Richmond. BostonGlobe.com, 13 Nov. 2021 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English ospray, from Anglo-French *osfraie, from Latin ossifraga, a bird of prey
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Kids Definition
osprey
noun
os·prey ˈäs-prē
plural ospreys
: a large hawk that feeds chiefly on fish
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