SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus

Cacatua

Save Word
Ca·​ca·​tua | \ ˌka-kə-ˈt(y)ü-ə How to pronounce Cacatua (audio) \

Definition of Cacatua

: a genus of medium to very large parrots (family Cacatuidae) that are native to Australasia and nearby islands of the Malay Archipelago, are usually predominantly white, and include numerous widely known cockatoos (such as the sulphur-crested cockatoo and the galah)

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!

History and Etymology for Cacatua

New Latin, from Dutch or Malay; Dutch kakatoe, from Malay kokatua

Learn More About Cacatua

Dictionary Entries Near Cacatua

cacao thrips

Cacatua

cacaxte

See More Nearby Entries 

Statistics for Cacatua

Cite this Entry

“Cacatua.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Cacatua. Accessed 28 May. 2022.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

WORD OF THE DAY

propagate

Listen to the pronunciation of propagate

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Eponyms: Words Named After People

  • rubens painting
  • What is the best definition of boycott?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

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