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Curlew: meaning, definitions and examples

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curlew

 

[ ˈkɜːrljuː ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

bird species

A curlew is a large shorebird belonging to the family Scolopacidae. Curlews are known for their long, curved bills which they use to probe for invertebrates in mudflats and estuaries. They are found in both North America and Eurasia, primarily in coastal areas. These birds are migratory and are often seen in flocks during their migration seasons. Their distinctive call is often associated with wetlands and is a sound that birdwatchers frequently seek out.

Synonyms

shorebird, wading bird

Examples of usage

  • The curlew is famous for its long beak.
  • We spotted several curlews along the shoreline.
  • The curlew's call echoed across the marshland.

Translations

Translations of the word "curlew" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cavalo-de-frisa

🇮🇳 कर्ल्यू

🇩🇪 Säbelschnäbler

🇮🇩 burung curlew

🇺🇦 кулон

🇵🇱 kulik

🇯🇵 クールリュウ

🇫🇷 courlis

🇪🇸 aguja

🇹🇷 kırlangıç

🇰🇷 갈매기

🇸🇦 طائر الشنقب

🇨🇿 kulík

🇸🇰 kulík

🇨🇳 弓头鹬

🇸🇮 kulik

🇮🇸 kúlu

🇰🇿 құлан

🇬🇪 კურლიუ

🇦🇿 kürlü

🇲🇽 aguja

Word origin

The word 'curlew' originates from Middle English 'curlewe,' which has its roots in the Old French term 'coreal' or 'curele,' describing the bird's distinctive, curved bill. The French term itself likely derived from the Latin 'currere,' meaning 'to run' or from the Galician and Portuguese word 'curleu,' as these cultures also recognized the bird. Historically, curlews were associated with wetland habitats and often featured in folklore due to their distinctive calls and behaviors. Over centuries, these birds have captured the attention of naturalists and poets alike, often representing the beauty of nature and the melancholic sounds of the wild. The differentiation among the numerous species of curlew has led to specific regional naming, as local variants became prominent in different habitats across Europe and North America. Today, curlews are an important part of wetland ecosystems, and their conservation status is being closely monitored due to habitat loss.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,612 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.