Buzzard
/ˈbʌz.ərd/noun
A medium-to-large bird of prey, especially a hawk of the genus Buteo.
Did you know?The word was originally used in medieval English for a hawk, but its exact origin is uncertain and may be connected to Old French words for a “buzzing” sound, not to any mystical or demonic root.
Etymological Timeline
Middle English
English
busard
“A hawk, especially a common hawk of little value for falconry.”
Old French
Old French
busart
“A buzzard or common hawk.”
Late Latin
Latin
buteo
“A kind of hawk or buzzard.”
Modern English
English
buzzard
“A bird of prey, especially a hawk of the genus Buteo; in North America, also a vulture.”