What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hawks
Example
The red-tailed hawk is a common bird of prey found in North America. [hawk: noun]
Example
The hawk soared high above the trees, searching for its next meal. [hawk: verb]
raptor
Example
The peregrine falcon is a well-known raptor that can reach speeds of up to 240 mph. [raptor: noun]
Example
The owl is a nocturnal raptor that hunts small rodents and insects. [raptor: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hawk is more commonly used than raptor in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hawks and raptor?
Raptor is a more formal term that is commonly used in scientific and technical contexts, while hawk is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
