What does goshawk mean?
A goshawk is a large, long-tailed bird of prey belonging to the accipiter hawks. The best-known species, the northern goshawk, occurs across much of Europe and northern Asia and is also familiar in North America under that species name. It is generally identified by its robust build, grey-and-white plumage, broad wings, and long tail. Birders may see one gliding along woodland edges or hunting smaller birds and mammals, often remaining inconspicuous despite its size. The word also has an informal figurative meaning: a goshawk is a forceful, successful, or notably self-made person. This usage conveys admiration for someone's drive and capability, though it can sound hyperbolic when applied casually. Both the literal and figurative senses are understood in British and American English. Goshawk is also a word with an unusually transparent history: it descends from an Old English compound meaning “goose hawk,” preserving the old habit of naming birds after characteristic behavior or prey.
nounA large accipiter hawk, especially the northern goshawk, with broad wings, grey-and-white plumage, and a long tail; figuratively, a forceful and highly successful person.
- A large accipiter hawk, especially the northern goshawk, characterized by broad wings and a long tail.
- Informally, a forceful, highly successful or self-made person.
"A goshawk circled above the woodland before dropping silently toward the clearing."
"The goshawk's long tail distinguishes it from many other birds of prey."
"With no formal training, she became a goshawk in the industry and built a successful international career."
The standard plural adds -s and is used for both the bird and the figurative noun.
"Two goshawks circled above the ridge."
The goshawk's name is a medieval calling card: it literally means “goose hawk.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does goshawk come from?
The word comes from Old English gōshafoc, literally “goose hawk,” formed from gōs, “goose,” and hafoc, “hawk.” Middle English developed forms including goshawk, and modern English retains the compound in the spelling goshawk. The goose and hawk elements are inherited from English; the hawk element belongs to the same broad Germanic word family associated with forms such as hawker and hawking.
How goshawk is actually used
The ornithological use is standard in British and American English. The figurative use is informal and generally admiring, although it can sound exaggerated or mildly sardonic depending on context.