🦅
Eagle
EE-guhl
Definitions
1
Animals · Birds
Common
A large bird of prey with keen vision, powerful talons, and a hooked beak. Used to represent actual eagles or as a symbol of strength, freedom, and national pride.
Often used in patriotic contexts, nature discussions, or to convey power and majesty.
Just spotted a 🦅 soaring over the mountain! Magnificent!
Nature observation on Instagram
Happy Independence Day! 🦅🇺🇸
American holiday celebration on social media
Strongly associated with American national identity as the bald eagle is the national bird of the United States.
2
Symbols · National
Common
A symbol of patriotism, freedom, and national pride, particularly in American contexts. Used to express national identity or patriotic sentiment.
Frequently appears in political discussions, national holidays, and patriotic messaging.
Proud to serve our country 🦅
Military or government service post
In the US, often paired with flag emoji and used by both political parties, though sometimes associated more with conservative messaging.
Evolution Timeline
1782
Bald eagle adopted as the national emblem of the United States, establishing its enduring patriotic symbolism.
Founding of the American republic and need for national symbols
2016
Eagle emoji introduced in Unicode 9.0, quickly adopted for patriotic messaging in American digital communication.
Expansion of emoji set to include more animals with cultural significance
2020
Usage spiked during US election cycle as symbol in political discourse across partisan divides.
Heightened political polarization and patriotic messaging
Cultural Context
The bald eagle has been the national bird of the United States since 1782, appearing on the Great Seal, currency, and federal buildings as a symbol of American sovereignty.
While universally recognized as a symbol of freedom, the eagle emoji has become somewhat politically charged in American contexts, though used across the political spectrum.
Eagles hold spiritual significance in many Native American cultures, representing divine power, strength, and connection to the spiritual world.
The phrase 'eagle-eyed' (meaning keen-sighted or observant) often appears alongside this emoji in digital communication.
Regional Variations
United Kingdom
Less patriotic significance; more commonly used to represent the actual bird or as a symbol of power and freedom.
United States
Strongly patriotic symbol representing American identity, freedom, and national pride. Commonly used during national holidays.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Primarily used for patriotic sentiment, sports team support, and occasional workplace achievement metaphors.
Gen_Z: Used both ironically and sincerely for patriotic memes, environmental causes, and sometimes as part of ironic 'America' humor.
Older: Most likely to use in straightforward patriotic contexts, military support, and formal national holiday greetings.
Millennials: Commonly used for nature photography, outdoor adventures, and more straightforward patriotic expressions.
Common Combinations
🦅🇺🇸
American patriotism and national pride
Extremely common in US holidays like July 4th, Memorial Day, and during elections
🦅⚡
Power, speed, and striking ability
Used for sports teams, military references, or emphasizing decisive action
🦅🌄
Freedom, nature, and wilderness
Used in outdoor activity posts, hiking, and nature photography
🦅👁️
Eagle-eyed or having keen observation skills
References the exceptional vision of eagles as metaphor for attentiveness