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)
Explore Merriam-Webster
There's more!
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!
Origin and Etymology of cacatua
New Latin, from Dutch or Malay; Dutch kakatoe, from Malay kokatua
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up Cacatua? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!