hawk

A bird with sharp claws that catches other animals for food.

• A hawk flew over the field.
• We watched the hawk catch a mouse.
• Two hawks were circling above the trees.

Common phrases: a hawk overhead, hawk nest, hawk wings, a hunting hawk

To offer things for sale, often by calling out to people in public places.

• They hawk fruit outside the station.
• Vendors hawked cheap toys along the beach.
• He earns money hawking newspapers on busy streets.

Similar words: sell, peddle

Common phrases: hawk goods, hawk souvenirs, hawk something

To force thick liquid out of your throat by coughing or clearing it loudly.

• He hawked and spat into the sink.
• She hawked up mucus after a coughing fit.
• The man kept hawking loudly behind us.

How to use it: hawk up something (He hawked up some mucus and spat into a tissue.)

Similar words: cough up, expectorate

Common phrases: hawk up phlegm, hawk up mucus, hawk and spit

To catch or attack other animals while flying.

• Swallows hawk for insects.
• The birds hawked at flies above the water.
• Bats were hawking around the streetlights.

How to use it: hawk at something (The birds hawked at flies above the pond.); hawk for something (Swallows hawk for insects over the meadow.)

Similar words: hunt in flight

Common phrases: hawk at flies, hawk for insects