harpy

Everyday

1. In Greek myths, a harpy is a monster with the face and body of a woman and the wings and claws of a bird. tree →
2. (rude) Harpy is an insulting word for a woman who is thought to be nasty or bossy. tree →
3. The harpy eagle is a huge, powerful eagle of South American rainforests. tree →

In the lessons

In myth lessons, harpies snatch food and people in stories like Jason and the Argonauts. In science, the harpy eagle hunts monkeys and sloths. As an insult it is unkind and should not be used.

Examples

• The harpies swooped down and stole the king's food. tree →
• A harpy eagle can carry off a sloth. tree →
• In the story, the hero chased the harpies away. tree →
• Calling someone a harpy is rude and unkind. tree →
• Harpies had sharp claws and screeched loudly. tree →
• The harpy eagle is one of the strongest birds in the world. tree →
• Immediately he took the shape of a harpy, and, filled with rage, was determined to devour his son, and even the Princess too, if only he could overtake them. tree →

Note

Plural: harpies. Insult use is old-fashioned and sexist; know it, don't use it.