woodcock

noun

wood·​cock ˈwu̇d-ˌkäk 

plural woodcocks

1

or plural woodcock

a

: a shorebird (Scolopax rusticola) of Europe and Asia that frequents moist woodlands, has large eyes and rounded wings, is of a variously mottled reddish-brown, black, and buff color with a barred chest, and is often hunted as game

Note: The woodcock has a long bill with a sensitive tip used especially for probing the ground for earthworms and insects.

b

: a smaller related bird (Scolopax minor synonym Philohela minor) chiefly of eastern North America with a similar color pattern but having a solid orange buff chest

2

[from the ease with which the woodcock is snared] archaic : simpleton

Examples of woodcock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

American woodcocks came to New York City looking to strut their stuff, and New Yorkers fell in love. —ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026

Among the most tempting-sounding is the omelet Brillat-Savarin, stuffed with diced woodcock and black truffles and surrounded by a strong game gravy. —Jeffrey Steingarten, Vogue, 5 Apr. 2026

Others, such as hawks, great blue herons and American woodcocks, are performing elaborate courtships to lure mates and prepare for spring nesting. —Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 21 Feb. 2026

Specifically, state law prohibits salvage of: badger, bobcat, brant, coot, crow, cub bear, duck, elk, fisher, Florida gallinule, geese, marten, moose, otter, snipe, sora rail, spotted fawn deer, Virginia rail, wild turkey, wolf, and woodcock. —Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 16 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing woodcock

• Scotch woodcock

Rhymes for woodcock

• alcock
• beanstalk
• bedrock
• boardwalk
• catwalk
• cornstalk
• crosswalk
• deadlock
• feedstock
• fetlock
• flintlock
• goshawk

Kids Definition

woodcock

noun

wood·​cock -ˌkäk 

plural woodcocks or woodcock

: a brownish woodland game bird that has a long bill and is related to the snipes

also : a related and similar bird of Eurasia