Meaning & Definition of word "Tern"

noun:

• 1. A tern is a seabird of the family Laridae, characterized by long wings, a slender body, and a pointed beak, often found in coastal regions and known for their graceful flight.
  • Example: As we walked along the beach, we spotted a graceful tern diving into the water to catch a fish.
• 2. Terns are often distinguished from gulls by their smaller size and more slender, elongated wings.
  • Example: The large colony of terns nested on the rocky cliffs during the summer months.
• 3. Some species of terns migrate long distances between breeding and wintering grounds.
  • Example: During the migration season, the shores were teeming with various species of terns.
• 4. Terns often feed on small fish and invertebrates, catching them with their sharp bills while diving.
  • Example: We watched as the tern expertly caught a small fish just beneath the surface.
• 5. The common tern is a well-known species, recognizable by its black cap and elegant plumage.
  • Example: The common tern is a familiar sight along the Atlantic coast during the summer.