egret

[ ee-grit, eg-rit, ee-gret, ee-gret ]

noun

1. any of several usually white herons that grow long, graceful plumes during the breeding season, as Egretta garzetta little egret, of the Old World.
2. aigrette.

egret

/ ˈiːɡrɪt /

noun

1. any of various wading birds of the genera Egretta, Hydranassa, etc, that are similar to herons but usually have a white plumage and, in the breeding season, long feathery plumes: family Ardeidae, order Ciconiiformes See also aigrette

Word History and Origins

Origin of egret¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English egret(e), from Anglo-French egret (compare Middle French égreste aigrette ), alteration (with -on exchanged for -et -et ) of dialectal Old French aigron, from Germanic; heron

Word History and Origins

Origin of egret¹

C15: from Old French aigrette, from Old Provençal aigreta, from aigron heron, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German heigaro heron

Example Sentences

He liked the painting, a colorful picture of a bird called an egret.

From NewsForKids.net

An egret swooped by and darted off again, leaving the echo of its cry.

From Literature

Although the virus has never been detected in wild Australian waterbirds, the country is home to several egret species and one heron species that can be infected with JEV in the lab.

From Science Magazine

Occasionally, I’ll pick up a breakfast wrap or breakfast burrito at this spot called Angry Egret.

From Los Angeles Times

As Savage finished a recent morning flight, a nearby great egret was undisturbed as it searched the tall grasses for food.

From Washington Times