aquiline

adjective

aq·​ui·​line ˈa-kwə-ˌlīn How to pronounce aquiline (audio)
-lən
1
: curving like an eagle's beak
an aquiline nose
2
: of, relating to, or resembling an eagle
aquilinity noun

Did you know?

Aquiline, from the Latin word meaning "eagle", is most often used to describe a nose that has a broad curve and is slightly hooked, like a beak. The aquiline figure on the U.S. seal brandishes the arrows of war and the olive branch of peace. The word for eagle itself, Aquila, has been given to a constellation in the northern hemisphere.

Examples of aquiline in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web No two coins are quite alike, but in many, the most prominent features are an aquiline nose and a jutting chin. Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 11 Jan. 2021 The twinkling eyes, the aquiline nose, the trademark goatee limned in bits of bread and butter. Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2022 Pessoa had the aquiline Semitic features of his late father’s side, which included Jewish conversos frog-marched into Christianity during the Inquisition. Benjamin Kunkel, Harper's Magazine, 26 Oct. 2021 The lean face, aquiline nose, piercing eyes — all are here from the beginning. Michael Dirda, Washington Post, 19 June 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aquiline.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin aquilinus, from aquila eagle

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of aquiline was in 1646

Dictionary Entries Near aquiline

Cite this Entry

“Aquiline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aquiline. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

aquiline

adjective
aq·​ui·​line ˈak-wə-ˌlīn How to pronounce aquiline (audio)
-lən
1
: of or resembling an eagle
2
: curving like an eagle's beak
an aquiline nose
aquilinity noun

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