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Definition of hawkweed

hawkweed

/ˈhɔːk.wiːd/
hawk · weed
Plural:hawkweeds
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hawkweed Lexical Profile

hawkweed Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any of numerous plants of the genus Hieracium and related genera in the daisy family (Asteraceae), typically native to temperate regions and characterized by yellow, orange, or red dandelion-like flower heads.

Example

"The hikers stopped to admire a bright patch of orange hawkweed blooming aggressively across the alpine meadow."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for hawkweed

• Nearby Words

hawkfish
hawksbill sea turtle
hawksbill turtle
hawkweed
haworthia
hawser
hawthorn

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'haukweed', likely a translation of the Latin botanical name 'hieracia' (from Greek 'hierakion', meaning 'hawk'). This name arose from an ancient belief, recorded by Pliny the Elder, that hawks ate the plant 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 Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hawkweed
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