aquiline

adjective

aq·​ui·​line ˈa-kwə-ˌlīn 

-lən

1

: curving like an eagle's beak

an aquiline nose

2

: of, relating to, or resembling an eagle

aquilinity

ˌa-kwə-ˈli-nə-tē 

noun

Did you know?

Aquiline, from the Latin word meaning "eagle", is most often used to describe a nose that has a broad curve and is slightly hooked, like a beak. The aquiline figure on the U.S. seal brandishes the arrows of war and the olive branch of peace. The word for eagle itself, Aquila, has been given to a constellation in the northern hemisphere.

Examples of aquiline in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

A couple of old-fashioned silver viewfinders allow, for a quarter, intimate looks at Washington’s ample forehead, Jefferson’s aquiline nose, Roosevelt’s magical glasses, or Lincoln’s detailed beard. — Literary Hub, 21 Nov. 2025

In a new production at the Theatre Royal Bath, directed by Ralph Fiennes and running through September 6, the aquiline Dame Harriet Walter, 74, takes the part and receives star billing. — Matthew Gurewitsch, Air Mail, 16 Aug. 2025

The twinkling eyes, the aquiline nose, the trademark goatee limned in bits of bread and butter. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2022

Pessoa had the aquiline Semitic features of his late father’s side, which included Jewish conversos frog-marched into Christianity during the Inquisition. — Benjamin Kunkel, Harper's Magazine, 26 Oct. 2021

No two coins are quite alike, but in many, the most prominent features are an aquiline nose and a jutting chin. — Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 11 Jan. 2021

The lean face, aquiline nose, piercing eyes — all are here from the beginning. — Michael Dirda, Washington Post, 19 June 2019

Word History

Etymology

Latin aquilinus, from aquila eagle

First Known Use

1571, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for aquiline

• acridine
• acrolein
• adenine
• alkylene
• aniline
• anthracene
• asphaltene
• atlantean
• atrazine
• butadiene
• butylene
• caesarean

Kids Definition

aquiline

adjective

aq·​ui·​line ˈak-wə-ˌlīn 

-lən

1

: of or resembling an eagle

2

: curving like an eagle's beak

an aquiline nose

aquilinity

ˌak-wə-ˈlin-ət-ē 

noun