merlin

1 of 2

noun (1)

mer·lin ˈmər-lən

: a small compact falcon (Falco columbarius) of the northern hemisphere having a broad dark terminal band on the tail and upperparts that are slate blue in males and brown in females

Merlin

2 of 2

noun (2)

Mer·lin ˈmər-lən

: a prophet and magician in Arthurian legend

Examples of merlin in a Sentence

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Noun

One parent was killed by a merlin, a small falcon that lives throughout the Great Lakes region. — Sheryl Devore, Chicago Tribune, 13 Sep. 2023 Other Plum Island sightings were highlighted by an unseasonal merlin and a red-necked phalarope. — BostonGlobe.com, 5 Aug. 2023

Noun

Merlin Entertainments and Mojang Studios are going to need a ton of solid blocks for this one. — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 21 Mar. 2026 Every version of Merlin the wizard, spanning an expansive gender spectrum. — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for merlin

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English merlioun, from Anglo-French merilun, alteration of esmerilun, diminutive of Old French esmeril, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German smiril merlin

Noun (2)

Medieval Latin Merlinus, from Middle Welsh Myrddin

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of merlin was in the 13th century

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merle

merlin

Merlin

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Style

“Merlin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/merlin. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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merlin

noun (1)

noun (2)

Examples of merlin in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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