Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Alcedo

noun
Al·ce·do | \al-ˈsē-(ˌ)dō\

Definition of Alcedo 

: the type genus of Alcedinidae comprising Old World kingfishers including the small brightly colored European kingfisher

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

First Known Use of Alcedo

1585, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for Alcedo

New Latin, from Latin, kingfisher

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about Alcedo

Dictionary Entries near Alcedo

Alcatraz

alcazar

Alcedinidae

Alcedo

alcelaphine

Alcelaphus

Alces

Statistics for Alcedo

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for Alcedo

The first known use of Alcedo was in 1585

See more words from the same year

Comments on Alcedo

What made you want to look up Alcedo? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

superjacent

lying above or upon

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz

  • the-triumph-of-venus-by-alessandro-magnasco
  • Boreal comes from the name of the ancient Greek god of which wind?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Citation

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games