godwit

[ god-wit ]

noun

1. any of several large, widely distributed shorebirds of the genus Limosa, as the New World L. haemastica Hudsonian godwit, having a long bill that curves upward slightly.

godwit

/ ˈɡɒdwɪt /

noun

1. any large shore bird of the genus Limosa, of northern and arctic regions, having long legs and a long upturned bill: family Scolopacidae (sandpipers, etc), order Charadriiformes

Word History and Origins

Origin of godwit¹

First recorded in 1545–55; of obscure origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of godwit¹

C16: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Along the way, you may see marbled godwits, snowy egrets and other shorebirds.

From Los Angeles Times

Bar-tailed godwits fly from Alaska to New Zealand and Australia without stopping to eat, drink or rest.

From New York Times

The godwit’s epic flight — the longest nonstop migration of a land bird in the world — lasts from eight to 10 days and nights through pounding rain, high winds and other perils.

From New York Times

Satellite transmitters show that godwits often fly nonstop from Alaska to New Zealand.

From Salon

The bar-tailed godwit set off from south-west Alaska on 16 September and arrived in a bay near Auckland 11 days later, having flown at speeds of up to 55mph.

From The Guardian