plural ibis or ibises
: any of various chiefly tropical or subtropical wading birds (family Threskiornithidae) related to the herons but distinguished by a long slender downwardly curved bill

Illustration of ibis

Illustration of ibis

Examples of ibis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Bald Ibis Migration Each fall, when the days grow shorter and the weather cooler, the ibises’ migratory instinct kicks in, priming them to seek out a warmer climate to spend the winter. Carin Leong, Scientific American, 16 Oct. 2024 Back from the brink: The northern bald ibis, considered one of the rarest birds in the world, has rebounded thanks to tenacious conservation efforts. Daniel Wine, CNN, 30 Sep. 2024 These freshwater pools are fullest between June and September, after the austral spring’s rains, and the unique ecosystem is home to endangered species like the scarlet ibis and neotropical otter. Jen Murphy, Outside Online, 15 July 2024 Its verdant groves and sculpted lawns patrolled by long-legged native ibises have barely changed since Muir’s visit, although a century-plus of robust tree growth has obscured any views of the hills. Tony Perrottet, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for ibis 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin, from Greek, from Egyptian hbw

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ibis was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near ibis

Cite this Entry

“Ibis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ibis. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

ibis

noun
plural ibis or ibises
: any of several wading birds that differ from the related herons in having a long slender bill that curves downward

More from Merriam-Webster on ibis

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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