curlew

[ kur-loo ]

noun

1. any of several shorebirds of the genus Numenius, having a long, slender, downcurved bill, as the common N. arquata, of Europe.
2. any of various similar birds.

curlew

/ ˈkɜːljuː /

noun

1. any large shore bird of the genus Numenius, such as N. arquata of Europe and Asia: family Scolopacidae (sandpipers, etc), order Charadriiformes. They have a long downward-curving bill and occur in northern and arctic regions Compare stone curlew

Word History and Origins

Origin of curlew¹

1300–50; Middle English < Anglo-French curleu, cognate with Middle French corleu; perhaps imitative

Word History and Origins

Origin of curlew¹

C14: from Old French corlieu, perhaps of imitative origin

Example Sentences

Four UK shorebirds - the grey plover, dunlin, turnstone and curlew sandpiper - are becoming more endangered on the red list.

From BBC

"A curlew," he says, and I just glimpse its long curved beak as we pass.

From BBC

The Eurasian curlew could be gone in Wales as a "viable breeding species" by 2033 if a 6% annual decline continues, experts warn.

From BBC

Scientists have been surprised and impressed with the long-distance travel of two birds recently, a common cuckoo who flew from southern Africa to Mongolia, and an eastern curlew, who flew from Australia to China.

From NewsForKids.net

It will also protect and promote strongholds of species like freshwater pearl mussels, pine marten and curlew.

From BBC