egret

noun

ˈē-grət How to pronounce egret (audio)
-ˌgret
also
i-ˈgret How to pronounce egret (audio) ˈe-grət How to pronounce egret (audio)
: any of various herons that bear long plumes during the breeding season

Illustration of egret

Illustration of egret

Examples of egret in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Corso sets up in the blind and points the scope across the water at a neon-pink bouquet of Greater Flamingos ballet-dancing along the far edge of the lagoon, while grebes dive, avocets wade, and egrets and herons hunt in the foreground. — Alexandra Marvar, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026 Other visitors to the preserve included bay turtles, blue herons and a snowy white egret, with kayakers paddling behind them in the bay. — David G. Allan, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026 Without chainsaws, egrets, or the large Great Dane in the harlequin phase. — Padgett Powell, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026 Eagles, egrets, cormorants and herons are fishing, too. — John Lauritsen, CBS News, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for egret

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Old Occitan *aigreta, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German heigaro heron

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of egret was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing egret

Browse Nearby Words

egressive
egret
egret monkey
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Cite this Entry

“Egret.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/egret. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

egret

noun
ˈē-grət How to pronounce egret (audio) i-ˈgret How to pronounce egret (audio) ˈē-ˌgret How to pronounce egret (audio)
ˈeg-rət
: any of various herons that bear long feathers during the breeding season

More from Merriam-Webster on egret

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about egret

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