1. A large Arctic falcon with dark plumage, used in falconry and valued for its hunting prowess.
Usage: Also spelled gyrfalcon.; Commonly used in historical and modern falconry contexts.

Examples

• The gerfalcon is the largest falcon species in the world.
• Medieval kings prized the gerfalcon for hunting expeditions.
• A gerfalcon can dive at speeds exceeding 150 miles per hour.
• The gerfalcon's thick plumage helps it survive in Arctic climates.
• Falconers train gerfalcons to hunt waterfowl and game birds.