quetzal

noun

quet·​zal ket-ˈsäl  -ˈsal 

plural quetzals also quetzales ket-ˈsä-(ˌ)lās 

-ˈsa-

1

or less commonly quetzal bird : any of several Central American trogons (genus Pharomachrus) that have brilliant green plumage above, a red breast, and in the males long upper tail coverts

2

plural usually quetzales : the basic monetary unit of Guatemala see Money Table

Illustration of quetzal

• quetzal 1

Examples of quetzal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Home to thousands of plants and more than 400 bird species, like the elusive quetzal and scarlet macaw, the region inspires immersion in its varied topography and wildlife. —Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 5 Dec. 2025

Simple lodges and cabins along the river cater to birders aiming to glimpse the resplendent quetzal, a showy bird in the trogon family with a red breast, turquoise neck, green wings and long emerald plumes that flow like ribbons. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Nov. 2025

Morning light filters through cloud forests along the Lost Waterfalls Trail—where mossy stones lead to hidden cascades and flashes of quetzal wings. —Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025

In addition to the quetzal, look for pairs of scarlet macaws flying over the Osa Peninsula. —AFAR Media, 8 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish, from Nahuatl quetzalli tail coverts of the quetzal

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for quetzal

• pretzel

Kids Definition

quetzal

noun

quet·​zal ket-ˈsäl  -ˈsal 

plural quetzals or quetzales -ˈsäl-ās 

: a brightly colored Central American bird with green feathers, a red breast, and in the male tail feathers often over two feet (60 centimeters) in length