lapwing

[ lap-wing ]

noun

1. a large Old World plover, Vanellus vanellus, having a long, slender, upcurved crest, an erratic, flapping flight, and a shrill cry.
2. any of several similar, related plovers.

lapwing

/ ˈlæpˌwɪŋ /

noun

1. any of several plovers of the genus Vanellus, esp V. vanellus, typically having a crested head, wattles, and spurs Also calledgreen ploverpewitpeewit

Word History and Origins

Origin of lapwing¹

before 1050; Middle English, variant (by association with wing ) of lapwinke, Old English hlēapwince plover. See leap, wink ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of lapwing¹

C17: altered form of Old English hlēapewince plover, from hlēapan to leap + wincian to jerk, wink ¹

Example Sentences

That diversity is reflected in the national birds chosen to represent the countries of Latin America, from the slight southern lapwing — Uruguay’s avian symbol — to the 30-pound Andean condor, the national bird of four countries.

From New York Times

It was hoped species such as lapwing, redshank and woodcock would find a haven in the wet woodland, while otters and water voles would use the restored network of waterways as corridors and breeding habitat.

From BBC

The restaurant in Lapwing Lane, Didsbury, opened in 1990.

From BBC

It has 20% of the UK's hen harriers, 11% of its breeding seabirds and vital populations of curlew, lapwing, and oystercatcher.

From BBC

A major part of the scheme has been to "re-naturalise" the River Sherford, creating a wetland which now hosts lapwing, golden plover and common snipe.

From BBC