saddleback

[ sad-l-bak ]

noun

1. any of various animals having markings on the back that resemble a saddle, as a male harp seal.

saddleback

/ ˈsædəlˌbæk /

noun

1. a marking resembling a saddle on the backs of various animals
2. a breed of black pig with a white band across its back
3. a rare bird of New Zealand, Philesturnus carunculatus, having a chestnut-coloured saddle-shaped marking across its back and wings
4. another name for saddle roof
5. another name for col

Word History and Origins

Origin of saddleback¹

First recorded in 1535–45; saddle + back ¹

Example Sentences

If you’re splurging, you start at 4 p.m., which gives you a saddleback view of the city from near the top of Mount Hollywood during golden hour, just before sunset .

From Los Angeles Times

He shows the noise of motorboats distracting saddleback clownfishes from warning against a predator attack.

From The Guardian

And for a giant tortoise with one shell type, the saddleback, big spills are a regular part of life.

From New York Times

Male saddleback tamarins of South America plan ahead: They take care of infants regardless of their paternity because females are likely to reward these helpers with their own progeny down the road.

From National Geographic

Barry looks about the Zealandia sanctuary in Wellington, where raucous kaka parrots and fidgety saddlebacks are among the rare birds protected from predators by a specially designed fence that stretches for miles.

From Seattle Times