Meaning of Eagles

1. Pronouncing the plural ending as 's' (EE-guhls) instead of 'z' (EE-guhlz). 2. Stressing the second syllable (ee-GUHLZ) instead of the first. 3. Pronouncing the first vowel as a short 'e' (as in 'bed') instead of a long 'e'. 4. Adding an extra syllable and saying 'EE-guh-liss.' 5. Dropping the second syllable and saying 'eagles' as one syllable 'eegls.'

American Pronunciation

In American English, 'eagles' is pronounced /ˈiːɡəlz/. The first syllable is a long 'e' as in 'see,' the second syllable is a schwa 'uh' as in 'about,' and the final sound is a 'z' for the plural. The stress is on the first syllable.

Say it like this: EE-guhlz.

British Pronunciation

In British English, the pronunciation is essentially identical: /ˈiːɡəlz/. Some British speakers may produce a slightly clearer second vowel, but the stress pattern and overall sound remain the same.

Say it like this: EE-guhlz.

IPA

The IPA transcription /ˈiːɡəlz/ breaks down as: /iː/ long 'e' as in 'see,' /ɡ/ voiced velar stop as in 'go,' /ə/ schwa as in 'about,' /l/ voiced alveolar lateral as in 'low,' and /z/ voiced alveolar fricative as in 'zoo.'

Syllables

Eagles has two syllables: Ea · gles. The stress falls on the first syllable.

Stress

The primary stress is on the first syllable: EE-guhlz. The second syllable is unstressed and contains a schwa sound.

Pronunciation Tips

• Start with a clear, long 'e' sound as in 'see.' Do not use a short 'e' as in 'bed.'
• Stress the first syllable: EE-guhlz, not ee-GUHLZ.
• Pronounce the plural ending as 'z,' not 's.' It should buzz slightly.
• Keep it to two syllables. Do not stretch it into three.
• The second syllable contains a relaxed schwa 'uh,' not a full vowel.
• Practice with rhyming words: 'beagles,' 'regals.'
• Do not drop the 'l' sound. Say 'guhlz,' not 'guhz.'
• Practice in a sentence: 'The eagles soared over the lake.'

Etymology

The word 'eagle' comes from Old French 'aigle,' which derived from Latin 'aquila,' meaning 'eagle.' The Latin term itself may have originated from 'aquilus,' meaning 'dark' or 'dark-colored,' possibly referring to the bird's plumage. The plural 'eagles' follows the standard English pattern of adding '-s.'

History

The word entered English in the 13th century through Old French during the Norman period. Before that, the Old English word for eagle was 'earn' or 'ern,' which was gradually replaced by the French-derived 'eagle.' By the 14th century, 'eagle' was well established in English literature and law.

Language Origin

Eagle is a Latinate word that came into English via Old French. It ultimately traces back to Latin 'aquila.' The original Old English word 'earn' survives only in place names and in the name of the sea eagle genus 'Haliaeetus.'

How Meaning Changed Over Time

The literal meaning has remained stable: the word has always referred to large birds of prey. However, the figurative meanings have expanded over time. Eagles have come to symbolize empires, nations, divine power, military strength, and athletic excellence. In golf, the term 'eagle' was coined in the early 20th century as an extension of 'birdie,' both meaning excellent scores.

Interesting Historical Facts

The bald eagle was chosen as the national bird of the United States in 1782, partly because of its majestic appearance and association with strength. Benjamin Franklin famously preferred the wild turkey, calling the eagle a 'bird of bad moral character' for its habit of stealing food from other birds. In golf, the term 'eagle' for a score of two-under-par emerged in the early 1900s, building on the earlier term 'birdie.'

Short Definition

The plural form of 'eagle,' referring to large, powerful birds of prey known for their hooked beaks, sharp talons, and exceptional eyesight.

Simple Definition

Eagles are large, powerful hunting birds. They have strong beaks, sharp claws, and very good eyesight.

Detailed Definition

Eagles is the standard English plural of the noun 'eagle.' It refers to several species of large diurnal birds of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae. Eagles are characterized by their massive, powerful builds, heavy hooked beaks, strong legs with sharp talons, and extraordinarily keen eyesight. They are found on every continent except Antarctica, with the bald eagle and golden eagle being the most recognized species in North America. The word is used both literally, to describe the birds themselves, and figuratively, to represent power, freedom, vision, or excellence.

Student Definition

Eagles are big, strong birds that hunt for food. They have sharp claws called talons, curved beaks, and can see very far. The bald eagle is a famous symbol of the United States.

Writer Definition

For writers, 'eagles' is a vivid, evocative noun useful in nature writing, sports commentary, golf scoring, and symbolic contexts. The word carries connotations of power, freedom, and keen sight. In golf, an 'eagle' is a specific score, and the plural 'eagles' refers to multiple such achievements. Choose 'eagles' for accuracy in wildlife contexts; use it metaphorically for symbolic weight in poetry and prose.

Noun (plural)

A noun is a word that names a person, place, thing, or concept. Eagles is a plural noun, naming more than one eagle. It functions as the subject or object of a sentence and takes plural verbs.

How It Functions

As a plural noun, 'eagles' functions as a subject, direct object, indirect object, or object of a preposition. It can be used literally to describe multiple birds, or figuratively to describe people or things with eagle-like qualities. In golf, 'eagles' refers to multiple scores of two-under-par on a single hole.

Grammar Usage

Used as a subject: 'Eagles soar above the valley.' | Used as an object: 'We watched the eagles.' | Used as an indirect object: 'She gave the eagles space.' | Used with prepositions: 'The nest belonged to the eagles.' | Used as a golf score: 'He made three eagles this season.'

Sentence Placement

Eagles typically appears at the beginning of a sentence as a subject or after a verb or preposition as an object. Example: 'Eagles build their nests on cliffs.' It can also appear in mid-sentence: 'The eagles we saw were golden.'

To pronounce "Eagles" like a native American English speaker, follow these simple steps.

Step 1: The First Syllable

Start with the long 'e' sound /iː/, as in 'see' or 'tree.' Spread your lips slightly into a smile shape. This is the stressed syllable, so say it clearly and with emphasis.

Step 2: The Consonant Bridge

Move smoothly from the long 'e' to the hard 'g' sound /ɡ/, as in 'go' or 'bag.' There is no gap; the sounds connect directly.

Step 3: The Second Syllable

The second syllable begins with the schwa /ə/, a relaxed 'uh' sound as in 'about.' Follow it with the /l/ sound and the /z/ sound. The /z/ is the plural ending and should be voiced, like a soft buzzing, not a hissing 's.'

Step 4: Put It Together

Say the full word: EE-guhlz. Practice it slowly: EE ... guhlz. Then speed up until the two syllables flow as one word.

"Eagles" has 2 syllables: Ea·gles.

Breaking the word apart:

• Stress Pattern: Stressed - Unstressed

When you write the word with a syllable break for a dictionary, you write: Ea·gles.

The IPA transcription of "Eagles" is /ˈiːɡəlz/. Let's break down each symbol so you can read it confidently.

Put together, the IPA /ˈiːɡəlz/ provides a precise guide on how to articulate the word.

Imagine a massive bird with a wingspan wider than you are tall, soaring high above a valley. It has a sharp, hooked beak, powerful legs with curved talons, and eyes that can spot a rabbit from a mile away. That bird is an eagle-and when you see more than one, they are eagles.

Eagles are not just birds. They are symbols. For centuries, cultures have used the image of eagles to represent power, freedom, courage, and divine authority. You see them on flags, coins, and emblems. In sports, the Philadelphia Eagles are a football team. In golf, an 'eagle' is a remarkable score. The plural 'eagles' carries all of these meanings at once.

A Simple Diagram

The Key Idea

Eagles are large, powerful birds of prey found on every continent except Antarctica. The plural 'eagles' refers to multiple birds, multiple golf scores, or sports teams. The word also carries strong symbolic meaning, representing power, freedom, and vision.

Use "Eagles" in the following contexts. It works in various situations, from casual conversation to formal writing. Below are specific examples where the word fits perfectly.

In Nature Writing

Use it to describe multiple eagles in the wild.

Example: "Eagles soared above the river, scanning for fish."

In Sports Commentary

Use it to refer to teams or players named Eagles.

Example: "The Eagles defense dominated the second half."

In Golf

Use it to describe multiple two-under-par scores.

Example: "She recorded three eagles during the tournament."

In Symbolic Writing

Use it to represent power, freedom, or vision.

Example: "The eagles of empire have always claimed the highest peaks."

In Education

Use it to teach about birds of prey.

Example: "Eagles build some of the largest nests of any bird."

In News Reports

Use it to describe wildlife sightings.

Example: "Several eagles were spotted near the reservoir."

In Poetry and Literature

Use it as a metaphor for majesty or power.

Example: "Like eagles in the storm, they rose above the chaos."

1. Do Not Use for Single Birds

If you see one bird, use 'eagle,' not 'eagles.' The plural is for more than one.

2. Do Not Confuse with 'Egos'

'Eagles' (the birds) and 'egos' (sense of self) sound somewhat similar but mean completely different things.

3. Do Not Use It for All Birds of Prey

Hawks, falcons, and owls are not eagles. Eagles are specifically large birds in the family Accipitridae.

4. Do Not Use 'An Eagles'

You cannot say 'an eagles.' Use 'an eagle' (singular) or 'eagles' (plural) without an article, or 'the eagles' / 'some eagles.'

5. Do Not Use It as a Verb

'Eagles' is a noun, not a verb. You cannot say 'He eagles the ball.' Use specific verbs like 'soar,' 'dive,' or 'hunt.'

6. Do Not Confuse Golf 'Eagle' with 'Birdie'

In golf, an 'eagle' is two-under-par, while a 'birdie' is one-under-par. They are different scores; do not mix them up.

1. We saw two eagles flying over the lake this morning.
2. Eagles build huge nests on top of tall trees.
3. I love watching eagles dive for fish.
4. The eagles in this area are protected by law.
5. She pointed out the eagles sitting on the cliff.
6. Eagles can see prey from over a mile away.
7. My grandfather always said eagles bring good luck.
8. We spotted several bald eagles near the river.
9. Eagles mate for life, you know.
10. The kids were thrilled to see eagles at the zoo.

1. Eagles are at the top of the food chain.
2. Our class learned that eagles have incredible eyesight.
3. The teacher showed us a video of eagles hunting.
4. Students researched how bald eagles became endangered.
5. Eagles were chosen as symbols by many ancient cultures.
6. The science fair project was about how eagles fly.
7. We wrote reports on eagles and their habitats.
8. Eagles have wingspans of up to seven feet.
9. The field trip included watching eagles in the wild.
10. Our mascot is the eagles, so we painted one on the wall.

1. The Eagles secured a major sponsorship deal this quarter.
2. Sales eagles-the top performers-were honored at the conference.
3. The company's eagles are known for closing big deals.
4. Our sales team are eagles, not pigeons.
5. The Eagles Foundation donated generously to the wildlife fund.
6. The executives, known as eagles, met for a strategy retreat.
7. Only the eagles in the office got promoted this year.
8. The venture capital firm called its top partners eagles.
9. The Eagles brand launched a new line of outdoor gear.
10. Management referred to their best clients as eagles.

1. Bald eagles were removed from the endangered species list in 2007.
2. Golden eagles are protected under federal law throughout the United States.
3. The study found that eagles prefer nesting sites near large bodies of water.
4. Eagles occupy a range that spans every continent except Antarctica.
5. Conservation efforts have restored eagles to much of their historic range.
6. Researchers documented eagles nesting at elevations exceeding 3,000 meters.
7. The treaty prohibits the hunting of eagles for commercial purposes.
8. Eagles play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
9. The committee approved funding for eagles reintroduction programs.
10. Eagles face ongoing threats from habitat loss and lead poisoning.

1. Those eagles are absolutely huge.
2. I'm not gonna lie, eagles are kind of terrifying up close.
3. Man, those eagles can really dive.
4. Dude, I saw like three eagles today.
5. Eagles are basically the kings of the sky.
6. Yeah, eagles are way cooler than hawks.
7. I bet eagles could pick up a small dog. Probably not, but still.
8. Those eagles look like they own the place.
9. We were just chillin, watching eagles all afternoon.
10. Honestly, eagles are the best bird. Fight me.

1. The eagles circled above the valley, silent as the dawn itself.
2. Like eagles in the storm, they rose above the chaos, unbroken.
3. The eagles of empire have always claimed the highest peaks.
4. High above the river, eagles hung motionless on the wind, their shadows sliding over the water.
5. He watched the eagles until they were no more than specks against the cold blue sky.
6. The old chief spoke of eagles as messengers of the sky, bringers of vision and warning.
7. Eagles do not flock; they rule alone, each in its own sky.
8. The mountains belonged to the eagles, and the eagles knew it.
9. She felt the eagles above her before she saw them-a shift in the air, a sudden silence among the smaller birds.
10. When the eagles came, the valley held its breath.

Root Word

Latin aquila (eagle)

Derived Forms

Eagle (singular), Eagles (plural), Eaglet (young eagle), Eagless (eagle-like, rare), Eagle-eyed (having sharp vision).

Related Forms

Eagle, Eaglet, Eagle-eyed, Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, Sea Eagle, Hawk, Falcon, Raptor, Accipitridae

Prefix & Root Information

Eagles has no prefix. It is a simple plural noun formed by adding the suffix '-s' to the singular 'eagle.' The suffix '-s' is the most common plural marker in English.

Rule 1: It Is Always Plural

Eagles is the plural form of eagle. It always refers to more than one. Use it with plural verbs: 'Eagles are nesting' (not 'Eagles is nesting').

Rule 2: Takes Plural Verbs

When used as a subject, 'eagles' takes a plural verb. Correct: 'Eagles soar.' Incorrect: 'Eagles soars.'

Rule 3: Use Plural Pronouns

When referring to eagles, use plural pronouns: 'The eagles returned to their nest.' Use 'they' or 'their,' not 'it' or 'its.'

Rule 4: No Article for General Reference

When speaking generally, do not use an article: 'Eagles are powerful hunters.' When referring to specific eagles, use 'the': 'The eagles in this area are nesting.'

Rule 5: Capitalize When Referring to a Team

When referring to the Philadelphia Eagles or any team with that name, capitalize the word as a proper noun: 'The Eagles won the championship.'

Correct Spelling

The correct spelling is Eagles.

Common Misspellings

Eagels (transposing 'l' and 'e'), Egales (misplacing 'a'), Eaguls (using 'u' instead of 'e'), Eaggles (doubling the 'g'), Eagils (using 'i' instead of 'e'), Aegles (using 'ae' spelling)

Common Typing Mistakes

Eagl3s (using '3' for 'e'), Eahles (typing 'h' instead of 'g'), Esgles (typing 's' instead of 'a'), Eaglea (typing 'a' instead of 's'), eaglez (using 'z' instead of 's')

• Start with a clear, long 'e' sound as in 'see.' Do not use a short 'e' as in 'bed.'
• Stress the first syllable: EE-guhlz, not ee-GUHLZ.
• Pronounce the plural ending as 'z,' not 's.' It should buzz slightly.
• Keep it to two syllables. Do not stretch it into three.
• The second syllable contains a relaxed schwa 'uh,' not a full vowel.
• Practice with rhyming words: 'beagles,' 'regals.'
• Do not drop the 'l' sound. Say 'guhlz,' not 'guhz.'
• Practice in a sentence: 'The eagles soared over the lake.'