woodpecker

noun

wood·​peck·​er ˈwu̇d-ˌpe-kər 

: any of numerous birds (family Picidae) with zygodactyl feet, stiff spiny tail feathers used in climbing or resting on tree trunks, a usually extensible tongue, a very hard bill used to drill the bark or wood of trees for insect food or to excavate nesting cavities, and generally showy parti-colored plumage

Illustration of woodpecker

Examples of woodpecker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Congaree is also a hotbed of woodpecker activity, with all eight southern species found in the park. —Graham Averill, Outside Online, 16 Sep. 2024

Woodpecker Walk, 10 a.m. to noon, Fort Harrison State Park, 6000 N. Post Road, Indianapolis Join our naturalist to learn about the variety of woodpeckers that may be heard and seen throughout the park. —Indianapolis Star, The Indianapolis Star, 2 Aug. 2024

In Britain, their unusually early breeding season gives them an advantage over native species, such as nuthatches and woodpeckers, in the competition for nesting or roosting cavities. —The Week Uk, theweek, 11 Aug. 2024

Their acorns are also a favorite food of woodpeckers and jays, and their large branches and cavities provide birds with shelter and nesting sites. —Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1530, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing woodpecker

• acorn woodpecker
• downy woodpecker
• hairy woodpecker
• ivory-billed woodpecker
• pileated woodpecker
• red-bellied woodpecker
• red-cockaded woodpecker

Kids Definition

woodpecker

noun

wood·​peck·​er -ˌpek-ər 

: any of numerous brightly marked birds with strong claws and stiff tail feathers used in climbing or resting on tree trunks, a long flexible tongue, and a very hard bill used to drill into trees to get insects for food and to dig out holes for nesting