hawk

noun (1)

\ ˈhȯk

Definition of hawk

(Entry 1 of 5)

1 : any of numerous diurnal birds of prey belonging to a suborder (Falcones of the order Falconiformes) and including all the smaller members of this group especially : accipiter

2 : a small board or metal sheet with a handle on the underside used to hold mortar

3 : one who takes a militant or combative attitude (as in a dispute) and advocates immediate vigorous action especially : a supporter of a war or warlike policy — compare dove entry 1

hawk

verb (1)

hawked; hawking; hawks

Definition of hawk (Entry 2 of 5)

intransitive verb

1 : to hunt birds by means of a trained hawk (see hawk entry 1 sense 1) : to practice falconry

2 : to soar and strike like a hawk (see hawk entry 1 sense 1) birds hawking after insects

transitive verb

: to hunt (someone or something) in flight like a hawk (see hawk entry 1 sense 1) hawking insects

hawk

verb (2)

hawked; hawking; hawks

Definition of hawk (Entry 3 of 5)

transitive verb

1 : to raise by trying to clear the throat hawk up phlegm

2 informal : to forcefully spit out (something, such as phlegm) : hock entry 5 hawk a loogie

intransitive verb

: to utter a harsh guttural sound in or as if in trying to clear the throat

hawk

noun (2)

Definition of hawk (Entry 4 of 5)

: an audible effort to force up phlegm from the throat

hawk

verb (3)

hawked; hawking; hawks

Definition of hawk (Entry 5 of 5)

transitive verb

: to offer (something) for sale by calling out in the street hawking newspapers broadly : sell

Other Words from hawk

Noun (1)

hawk-like \ ˈhȯk-ˌlīk

\ or hawklike adjective

a hawk-like bird hawklike attention

First Known Use of hawk

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Verb (2)

1581, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun (2)

1604, in the meaning defined above

Verb (3)

1713, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for hawk

Noun (1) and Verb (1)

Middle English hauk, from Old English hafoc; akin to Old High German habuh hawk, Russian kobets a falcon

Verb (2) and Noun (2)

imitative

Verb (3)

back-formation from hawker entry 2

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for hawk

hawk

noun

Financial Definition of hawk

What It Is

A hawk is a person, usually in a politically oriented profession, who favors government efforts to control inflation or who favors reducing the federal budget deficit.

How It Works

Let's assume John Doe works for the presidential administration as an economic advisor. He believes that higher interest rates could control the economy's runaway inflation, and that if the Federal Reserve would just increase its lending rates, this could stabilize the economy. He advises the president of this and encourages others in the administration to encourage the Federal Reserve to increase its rates. John Doe is a hawk.

Jane Smith is a deficit hawk. She believes that reducing government spending is crucial to decreasing the government's budget deficit.

Why It Matters

The political world is full of nicknames. Hawks are of particular interest to the business community because they often influence or at least put pressure on various parts of the government to take actions that can affect the values of stocks, bonds and other securities.

Source: Investing Answers

hawk

noun

\ ˈhȯk

Kids Definition of hawk

(Entry 1 of 3)

: a bird of prey that has a strong hooked bill and sharp curved claws and is smaller than most eagles

hawk

verb

hawked; hawking

Kids Definition of hawk (Entry 2 of 3)

: to offer for sale by calling out hawk newspapers

hawk

verb

hawked; hawking

Kids Definition of hawk (Entry 3 of 3)

: to make a harsh coughing sound in clearing the throat

hawk

transitive verb

\ ˈhȯk

Medical Definition of hawk

(Entry 1 of 2)

: to raise by trying to clear the throat hawk up phlegm

intransitive verb

: to make a harsh coughing sound in clearing the throat

hawk

Definition of hawk

Other Words from hawk

First Known Use of hawk

History and Etymology for hawk

Financial Definition of hawk

Kids Definition of hawk

Medical Definition of hawk

WORD OF THE DAY