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
b
Examples of talon in a Sentence
The hawk gripped the mouse in its talons.
Recent Examples on the Web
Even super commentator Snoop Dogg has been sporting artful talons.
—
Leigh Nordstrom, WWD, 9 Aug. 2024
The fish appeared to have talon marks in its skin when the couple inspected it, according to Asbury Park Press.
—Abigail Adams, Peoplemag, 27 July 2024
To gain a better understanding of Neanderthal diets, future studies could include more species of prey and also processing birds for non-food products, like feathers or talons.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 24 July 2024
Mark Witton The gryphon, or griffin, is a legendary creature dating back to classical antiquity, sporting the body, legs, and tail of a lion and the wings, head, and front talons of an eagle.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 25 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for talon 
Leigh Nordstrom, WWD, 9 Aug. 2024
The fish appeared to have talon marks in its skin when the couple inspected it, according to Asbury Park Press.
—Abigail Adams, Peoplemag, 27 July 2024
To gain a better understanding of Neanderthal diets, future studies could include more species of prey and also processing birds for non-food products, like feathers or talons.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 24 July 2024
Mark Witton The gryphon, or griffin, is a legendary creature dating back to classical antiquity, sporting the body, legs, and tail of a lion and the wings, head, and front talons of an eagle.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 25 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for talon
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.
Dictionary Entries Near talon
Cite this Entry
“Talon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/talon. Accessed 11 Sep. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
talon
noun
tal·on
ˈtal-ən 
: the claw of an animal and especially of a bird of prey
Medical Definition
talon
noun
tal·on
ˈtal-ən
: the crushing region of the crown of an upper molar
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