rara avis

[ rair-uh ey-vis; Latin rah-rah ah-wis ]

noun

, plural ra·rae a·ves [rair, -ee , ey, -veez, rah, -, r, ahy , ah, -wes].

1. a rare person or thing; rarity.

rara avis

/ ˈrɛərə ˈeɪvɪs /

noun

1. an unusual, uncommon, or exceptional person or thing

Word History and Origins

Origin of rara avis¹

First recorded in 1600–10, rara avis is from Latin rāra avis “rare bird”

Word History and Origins

Origin of rara avis¹

Latin: rare bird

Example Sentences

Murray was a rara avis in a country that makes the one-of-a-kind either hero or pariah — he became a little of both.

From New York Times

"I have very little respect for politicians of any persuasion, but Margaret is that rara avis, a dedicated, honest and committed representative of the people of Hong Kong," Sarony wrote.

From Reuters

Out of the box, “Sesame Street” was a rara avis: a mass-market hit on public TV, a kids’ show with sophistication and a wild countercultural energy.

From New York Times

Wickersham, whose full head of silver hair, mustache, and chiseled good looks made him resemble a misplaced Marlboro man, was a rara avis even by Sing Sing standards.

From Literature

Which is all to say that even if you haven’t heard of her, she is that rara avis of Hollywood: a working actor.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• anomaly
• aspect
• circumstance
• episode
• event
• experience
• fact
• incident
• miracle
• paradox
• reality
• sensation