noun
curlew
KUR-loo/ˈkɜːrluː/
A long-legged shorebird with a long, downward-curving bill.
The curlew stands in shallow water, its long bill curving downward.
Etymology
Courlieu is said to imitate the bird’s cry, but apparently also reflects influence from a word meaning “runner, messenger.” The bird’s ability to run fits that association.
In context
especially for waders such as curlew.
More examples
- Several curlews feed along the edge of the marsh.
- We recognize the curlew by its downward-curving bill.
- A curlew calls as it flies over the beach.
Forms
curlew · curlews
Similar words
- whimbrel
- A smaller kind of curlew with a striped head.
- sandpiper
- A related shorebird, usually with a shorter, straighter bill.