Search Dictionary
Definition of golden eagle
golden eagle
Plural:golden eagles
golden eagle Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
4
Tier
2
Usage
Top 10k
• noun
1
A large, powerful bird of prey (family Accipitridae, species Aquila chrysaetos) native to the Northern Hemisphere, characterized by its dark brown plumage, a striking golden wash on the back of its head and neck, and its exceptional hunting agility.
Example
"While hiking in the Scottish Highlands, we were thrilled to spot a golden eagle soaring majestically above the craggy peaks."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for golden eagle• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The name derives directly from the bird's distinctive plumage, specifically the lighter, golden-brown feathers located on the nape (the back of its head and neck).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Golden eagle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 15, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/golden eagle