Search Dictionary
Definition of hawkweed

hawkweed

/ˈhɔːk.wiːd/
hawk · weed
Plural:hawkweeds
JUMP TO:

hawkweed Lexical Profile

hawkweed Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any of numerous weedy perennial plants of the genus Hieracium and related genera in the family Asteraceae, native primarily to temperate Eurasia and North America, having hairy basal leaves, milky sap, and dandelion-like flower heads with yellow, orange, or reddish-orange ray florets.

Example

"Clusters of bright orange hawkweed bloomed along the sunny roadside meadow in mid-summer."

• Nearby Words

hawklike
hawksbill sea turtle
hawksbill turtle
hawkweed
haworthia
hawser
hawthorn

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the 16th century as a loan translation of the Latin genus name Hieracium (from Ancient Greek hierax, meaning 'hawk'), based on an ancient folk belief recorded by Pliny the Elder that hawks fed on the sap of these plants to sharpen their eyesight.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hawkweed. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hawkweed
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.