merlin

1 of 2

noun (1)

mer·lin ˈmər-lən

: a small compact falcon (Falco columbarius) of the northern hemisphere having a broad dark terminal band on the tail and upperparts that are slate blue in males and brown in females

Merlin

2 of 2

noun (2)

Mer·lin ˈmər-lən

: a prophet and magician in Arthurian legend

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English merlioun, from Anglo-French merilun, alteration of esmerilun, diminutive of Old French esmeril, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German smiril merlin

Noun (2)

Medieval Latin Merlinus, from Middle Welsh Myrddin

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of merlin was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Merlin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/merlin. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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merlin

noun (1)

noun (2)

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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