gallinule

[ gal-uh-nool, -nyool ]

noun

1. any aquatic bird of the family Rallidae, having elongated, webless toes.

gallinule

/ ˈɡælɪˌnjuːl /

noun

1. any of various aquatic birds of the genera Porphyrio and Porphyrula, typically having a dark plumage, red bill, and a red shield above the bill: family Rallidae (rails)
2. common gallinule
   the US name for moorhen

Word History and Origins

Origin of gallinule¹

1770–80; < New Latin Gallinula a genus name, Late Latin gallīnula chicken, equivalent to Latin gallīn ( a ) hen + -ula -ule

Word History and Origins

Origin of gallinule¹

C18: from New Latin Gallīnula genus name, from Late Latin: pullet, chicken, from Latin gallīna hen

Example Sentences

Elaine, who visited the Everglades occasionally when she lived in Miami, knows a purple gallinule when she sees one.

From New York Times

There are more than 360 species of birds, including the great blue heron and the diminutive green variety, purple gallinules and roseate spoonbills, the white ibis and the black skimmer.

From Seattle Times

Wild yellow irises bloomed amid the marsh grass in this tranquil oasis, and umbrella pines gave shade, while glossy ibis, coots and purple gallinule chattered and splashed in the pond.

From New York Times

The fall hunting seasons for squirrel, dove, rail, snipe and gallinule in Ohio also open that day.

From Washington Times

Coots, swamphens, moorhens, gallinules and a great many others belong to this group.

From Scientific American