dunnock

[ duhn-uhk ]

noun

, British.

1. hedge sparrow.

dunnock

/ ˈdʌnək /

noun

1. another name for hedge sparrow

Word History and Origins

Origin of dunnock¹

First recorded in 1425–75, dunnock is from the late Middle English word dunoke, donek. See dun ², -ock

Word History and Origins

Origin of dunnock¹

C15: from dun ² + -ock

Example Sentences

In fall 2021, they studied common redstart, chaffinch and dunnock on Helgoland, an island off the German coast along the North Sea that is a popular stopover for birds on the move each autumn.

From Washington Post

We have a pair of dunnock, two robins and at least one wren.

From The Guardian

Once called the hedge sparrow, the dunnock is dark greyish-purple and brown, with a thin bill.

From The Guardian

Stephen Moss unveils the often surprising roots of avian etymology and offers insight into fierce, long-standing debates such as that over Prunella modularis, variously known as the dunnock and hedge sparrow.

From Nature

The dunnock, known to some as the hedge sparrow, is a European bird.

From Economist