Grebe: meaning, definitions and examples

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grebe

 

[ ɡriːb ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

bird species

A grebe is a type of water bird that belongs to the family Podicipedidae, known for its diving abilities and distinctive courtship displays. These birds are generally found in freshwater lakes and wetlands, where they are adept at swimming and catching fish. Grebes have slender bodies, pointed bills, and lobed toes, which aid in their aquatic lifestyle.

Synonyms

diving bird, water bird

Examples of usage

  • The grebe dove under the water to catch its prey.
  • During mating season, the grebe performs elaborate dances to attract a mate.
  • We spotted a grebe gliding gracefully across the lake.
  • The young grebe was learning to dive for fish under the supervision of its parent.
  • As we walked by the shore, a grebe surfaced near the reeds.

Translations

Translations of the word "grebe" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mãe-d'água

🇮🇳 गरेब

🇩🇪 Lappentaucher

🇮🇩 grebe

🇺🇦 пірникоза

🇵🇱 perkoz

🇯🇵 グリーブ

🇫🇷 grèbe

🇪🇸 zampullín

🇹🇷 gölet kuşu

🇰🇷 물떼새

🇸🇦 غطاس

🇨🇿 potápka

🇸🇰 potápka

🇨🇳 潜鸟

🇸🇮 potapljač

🇮🇸 sæfugla

🇰🇿 су құсы

🇬🇪 პატიოსანი

🇦🇿 suyun quşu

🇲🇽 zampullín

Word origin

The word 'grebe' comes from the French word 'grèbe', which referred to a water bird. The etymology traces back to the Latin term 'grābī', referring to a cormorant or a similar bird. Historically, grebes have been observed by humans for centuries, with their distinctive behaviors making them a subject of interest among ornithologists and bird watchers alike. They are known for their unique breeding plumage and fascinating courtship rituals, which often include synchronized swimming and elaborate displays. The family Podicipedidae has a rich evolutionary history, with fossils dating back to the late Eocene epoch, indicating their early adaptations to aquatic environments. Grebes can be found across the globe, showcasing a wide variety of species adapted to different habitats, which highlights their evolutionary success and ecological significance.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,770, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.