wryneck

[ rahy-nek ]

noun

1. Informal.
   1. torticollis.
   2. a person having torticollis.
2. any of several small Old World climbing birds of the subfamily Jynginae, of the woodpecker family, noted for the peculiar habit of twisting the head and neck.

wryneck

/ ˈraɪˌnɛk /

noun

1. either of two cryptically coloured Old World woodpeckers, Jynx torquilla or J. ruficollis, which do not drum on trees
2. See torticollis
   another name for torticollis
3. informal.
   a person who has a twisted neck

Word History and Origins

Origin of wryneck¹

First recorded in 1575–85; wry + neck

Example Sentences

Last year the wryneck was a scarce bird in this neighbourhood; in all my walks I heard but two or three, and at long intervals.

From Project Gutenberg

The sound is unlike any other, but that is nothing, since the same can be said of the wryneck and cuckoo and grasshopper warbler.

From Project Gutenberg

I have lingered long over the wryneck, but have still a story to relate of this bird--not a fairy tale this time, but true.

From Project Gutenberg

All at once he remembered that he knew, or had known formerly, the wryneck very well, but he had never learnt its name.

From Project Gutenberg

Nightjars love this quiet corner, and the nuthatch and the wryneck find sanctuary in the hollows of the trees.

From Project Gutenberg