avocet

[ av-uh-set ]

noun

1. any of several long-legged, web-footed shorebirds constituting the genus Recurvirostra, having a long, slender, upward-curving bill.

avocet

/ ˈævəˌsɛt /

noun

1. any of several long-legged shore birds of the genus Recurvirostra, such as the European R. avosetta, having black-and-white plumage and a long upward-curving bill: family Recurvirostridae, order Charadriiformes

Word History and Origins

Origin of avocet¹

1760–70; < French avocette, probably erroneous spelling for New Latin avosetta < Italian < Upper Italian (< Venetian)

Word History and Origins

Origin of avocet¹

C18: from French avocette, from Italian avocetta, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

The American avocet breeds from Washington southward and spends its winters from central California south.

From Project Gutenberg

Witness the experience of the Avocet on her voyage from Rotterdam.

From Project Gutenberg

Steering a careful course in a sea 'foul with floating mines,' the Cork steamship Avocet was attacked by three aeroplanes.

From Project Gutenberg

The use of the avocet's recurved bill is clearly explained by the manner in which the bird procures its food.

From Project Gutenberg

The avocet is evidently possessed of a very keen sense of hearing.

From Project Gutenberg