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cockatoo

noun cock·a·too \ ˈkä-kə-ˌtü \
|Updated on: 23 Jun 2018

Definition of cockatoo

plural cockatoos
: any of various large noisy chiefly Australasian crested parrots (family Cacatuidae and especially genus Cacatua)

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Recent Examples of cockatoo from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cockatoo.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of cockatoo

illustration of cockatoo

Origin and Etymology of cockatoo

Dutch kaketoe, from Malay kakatua

COCKATOO Defined for English Language Learners

cockatoo

noun

Definition of cockatoo for English Language Learners

  • : a type of large parrot from Australia that has a large colorful bunch of feathers on top of its head

COCKATOO Defined for Kids

cockatoo

noun cock·a·too \ ˈkä-kə-ˌtü \

Definition of cockatoo for Students

plural cockatoos
: a large, noisy, and usually brightly colored crested parrot mostly of Australia

Learn More about cockatoo

  1. See words that rhyme with cockatoo Spanish Central: Translation of cockatoo Nglish: Translation of cockatoo for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cockatoo

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