Coot: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿฆ†
Add to dictionary

coot

 

[ kuหt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

bird species

The coot is a medium-sized water bird that belongs to the family Rallidae. It is known for its distinctive white bill and frontal shield. Coots are commonly found in freshwater lakes and marshes across Europe, Asia, and North America.

Synonyms

moorhen, waterhen

Examples of usage

  • I spotted a coot swimming in the lake.
  • The coot is often seen foraging along the water's edge.
  • During migration, large flocks of coots gather in wetland areas.
Context #2 | Noun

informal term

In British English, 'coot' can also be used informally to refer to a silly or eccentric old man. This usage stems from the bird's perceived foolishness in its behaviors.

Synonyms

eccentric, fool

Examples of usage

  • That old coot sat on the porch all day.
  • Donโ€™t mind him; heโ€™s just a harmless coot.
  • The coot in the corner seems to have endless stories.

Translations

Translations of the word "coot" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น galo-da-รกgua

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เฅ‹เคŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Blรคsshuhn

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ bebek

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบะพะฟะธั‚ะตะฝัŒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ bล‚otniak

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ฏใƒผใƒˆ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท fuligule

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ pato

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท su kuลŸu

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฌผ๋‹ญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุทุงุฆุฑ ุงู„ู…ุงุก

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kormorรกn

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ vodnรก sliepka

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆฐด้ธŸ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ vodni ptic

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ vatna fugl

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ััƒ า›าฑัั‹

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฌแƒงแƒšแƒ˜แƒก แƒคแƒ แƒ˜แƒœแƒ•แƒ”แƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ su quลŸu

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ pato

Word origin

The word 'coot' originates from Old English 'cote', which referred to a small house or shelter, and was later used to describe the bird due to its aquatic habitat. The modern term has been in usage since the early 15th century as a reference to this specific bird. It has also taken on colloquial meanings in various dialects of English, particularly in British slang. Over time, the association of coots with eccentricity or foolishness in older men gave rise to its informal usage, reflecting cultural perceptions of age and behavior.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,346 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.