corncrake

noun

corn·​crake ˈkȯrn-ˌkrāk How to pronounce corncrake (audio)
: a Eurasian short-billed rail (Crex crex) that frequents grain fields

Examples of corncrake in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Take the corncrake, whose song was once heard frequently across Ireland. WIRED, 20 June 2023 The corncrake’s loud cry was once a common sound of summer in Ireland, but these days it can seldom be heard. Jessica Leigh Hester, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2023 But there is hope for the return of the corncrake’s call. New York Times, 4 Aug. 2022

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

Word History

Etymology

early Scots cornecrake, from corne corn entry 1 + crake crake

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of corncrake was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near corncrake

Cite this Entry

“Corncrake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corncrake. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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