pratincole

noun

pra·​tin·​cole ˈpra-tᵊn-ˌkōl How to pronounce pratincole (audio)
ˈprā-,
-tiŋ-
: any of several Old World shore-inhabiting birds (genera Glareola and Stiltia of the family Glareolidae) with a short bill and a forked tail

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Latin pratum meadow + incola inhabitant, from in- + colere to cultivate — more at wheel

First Known Use

1773, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pratincole was in 1773

Dictionary Entries Near pratincole

Cite this Entry

“Pratincole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pratincole. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

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