rookery

noun

rook·​ery ˈru̇-kə-rē How to pronounce rookery (audio)
plural rookeries
1
a
: the nests or breeding place of a colony of rooks
also : a colony of rooks
b
: a breeding ground or haunt especially of gregarious birds or mammals (such as penguins or seals)
also : a colony of such birds or mammals
2
: a crowded dilapidated tenement or group of dwellings

Examples of rookery in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Perched on a hillside with plenty of rocks and places to hide out, the rattlesnake rookery in northern Colorado is helping researchers learn more about these venomous reptiles. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 July 2024 For the last three years, the team has also operated a similar live stream of a rattlesnake rookery in California. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 July 2024 San Simeon’s Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery bills itself as the only elephant seal rookery in the world that's free and open to the public every day of the year, and otters galore are a hit while kayaking in the Morro Bay Estuary. Nina Kokotas Hahn, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2023 Levine Cava ordered the Department of Environmental Resources Management to conduct thorough field studies and GL Homes to submit a plan for DERM’s approval ensuring protection of the rookery. Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 5 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for rookery 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rookery.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1704, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of rookery was in 1704

Dictionary Entries Near rookery

Cite this Entry

“Rookery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rookery. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

rookery

noun
rook·​ery ˈru̇k-ə-rē How to pronounce rookery (audio)
plural rookeries
: the place where a group of birds or social mammals (as penguins or seals) breed, nest, or raise their young
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