anting

[ an-ting ]

noun

1. the placing of ants among the feathers, done by certain birds apparently to kill parasites.

anting

/ ˈæntɪŋ /

noun

1. the placing or rubbing of ants by birds on their feathers. The body fluids of the ants are thought to repel parasites

Word History and Origins

Origin of anting¹

1935–40; ant + -ing ¹, as translation of German Einemsen

Example Sentences

They perform something called anting, which is where they find a group of ants scurrying around and the crow will start to roll around and flap in them.

From Seattle Times

The only other type of body care observed in wild birds, Biro said, is “anting,” in which birds cover their bodies in insects.

From Washington Post

He shuffled his feet, v\anting to get one of them in the door.

From Literature

Their faith in what they call their anting anting16 is unbreakable.

From Project Gutenberg

Nor did anting anting avail Aguinaldo who now probably believes far more in the protection of his American prison than in that offered by his anting anting charms.

From Project Gutenberg