greylag

noun

grey·​lag ˈgrā-ˌlag How to pronounce greylag (audio)
: the common gray wild goose (Anser anser) of Europe from which most domestic breeds of geese are descended

Examples of greylag in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The greylag goose, Anser anser, is a widespread species that was domesticated as early as 1360BC, and is the ancestor of domestic geese. Grrlscientist, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2021 Some of his visitors travel more than 15 hours by plane for a 35-minute ride with Moullec and his avian companions, often spotting cranes and geese like the brent, barnacle, red-breasted, and greylag species. National Geographic, 4 Jan. 2018

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from gray + lag entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1713, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of greylag was circa 1713

Dictionary Entries Near greylag

Cite this Entry

“Greylag.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/greylag. Accessed 18 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on greylag

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!