noun
egret
EE-grut/ˈiːɡrət/
A usually white heron with long legs and often long decorative feathers.
A white egret stands in shallow water on its long legs.
Etymology
Aigreta was a diminutive of aigron, “heron,” giving the image “little heron.” The English word retains that bird connection as the name of a white heron.
In context
A cattle egret is feeding on insects kicked up by passing feet. Feeding alongside herds of antelope gives this individual one and a half times more food than a solo effort.
More examples
- Several egrets search for fish along the muddy shore.
- The egret spreads its wings and rises above the marsh.
- Long, delicate feathers trail down the egret's back.
Forms
egret · egrets
Similar words
- heron
- A broader term covering egrets and other birds, often gray.