shrike

[ shrahyk ]

noun

1. any of numerous predaceous oscine birds of the family Laniidae, having a strong, hooked, and toothed bill, feeding on insects and sometimes on small birds and other animals: the members of certain species impale their prey on thorns or suspend it from the branches of trees to tear it apart more easily, and are said to kill more than is necessary for them to eat.
2. any of several other birds having similar bills, as the vanga shrikes.
3. Shrike, Military. a 10-foot (3-meter), 400-pound (180-kilogram) U.S. air-to-ground missile designed to destroy missile batteries by homing in on their radar emissions.

shrike

/ ʃraɪk /

noun

1. Also calledbutcherbird any songbird of the chiefly Old World family Laniidae, having a heavy hooked bill and feeding on smaller animals which they sometimes impale on thorns, barbed wire, etc See also bush shrike
2. any of various similar but unrelated birds, such as the cuckoo shrikes
3. shrike thrush or shrike tit
   another name for thickhead

Word History and Origins

Origin of shrike¹

First recorded in 1535–45; perhaps continuing Old English scrīc “thrush”; akin to Old Norse skrīkja “to twitter”; shriek

Word History and Origins

Origin of shrike¹

Old English scrīc thrush; related to Middle Dutch schrīk corncrake; see screech ¹, shriek

Example Sentences

It is no argument against94 this theory, that the shrike sometimes leaves these stores without returning to them.

From Project Gutenberg

The cuckoo-shrike (Grauculus macii) is not nearly related to the cuckoo, nor has it the parasitic habits of the latter.

From Project Gutenberg

Both the grey shrike and the wood-shrike begin nesting operations in February.

From Project Gutenberg

In October the pied chat and the wood-shrike frequently make sweet melody.

From Project Gutenberg

The great northern shrike is a frequent winter visitor, but by ill chance I have not been up when he has called at the roof.

From Project Gutenberg