Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

Porphyrio

noun Por·phyr·io \ pȯ(r)ˈfirēˌō \

Definition of Porphyrio

1 : a genus of Old World birds (family Rallidae) containing the purple swamphen and takahe
2 plural porphyrios porphyrio : any bird of the genus Porphyrio

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!
Already a subscriber? Log in.

Origin and Etymology of porphyrio

New Latin, from Latin porphyrion-, porphyrio water hen, from Greek porphyriōn, from porphyra purple

Seen and Heard

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

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

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