sanderling

sand·er·ling

noun \ˈsan-dər-liŋ\

Definition of SANDERLING

: a small widely distributed sandpiper (Calidris alba) with pale gray and white plumage in winter

Origin of SANDERLING

sand + -erling, perhaps from Old English yrthling, kind of bird found in fields, literally, plowman, from yrth, earth plowing, from erian to plow — more at arable

First Known Use: 1602