grackle

[ grak-uhl ]

noun

1. any of several long-tailed American birds of the family Icteridae, especially of the genus Quiscalus, having usually iridescent black plumage.
2. any of several Old World birds of the family Sturnidae, especially certain mynas.

grackle

/ ˈɡrækəl /

noun

1. Also calledcrow blackbird any American songbird of the genera Quiscalus and Cassidix, having a dark iridescent plumage: family Icteridae (American orioles)
2. any of various starlings of the genus Gracula, such as G. religiosa ( Indian grackle or hill mynah )

Word History and Origins

Origin of grackle¹

1765–75; < New Latin Gracula name of genus, based on Latin grāculus jackdaw

Word History and Origins

Origin of grackle¹

C18: from New Latin Grācula, from Latin grāculus jackdaw

Example Sentences

Bronzed Grackle (æneus), with a purple head and usually a brassy back.

From Project Gutenberg

The Great-tailed Grackle (macrourus), found in Texas, is still larger.

From Project Gutenberg

This giant Grackle frequents lakes, lagoons and bays, where it feeds along the shore or among aquatic plants.

From Project Gutenberg

Now come two black-coated cousins, the purple grackle and shoulder-strapped redwing of the blackbird family.

From Project Gutenberg

The purple grackle is said to eat corn, and also the eggs and young of other birds.

From Project Gutenberg