Definition of coot
1 : any of various slaty-black birds (genus Fulica) of the rail family that somewhat resemble ducks and have lobed toes and the upper mandible prolonged on the forehead as a horny frontal shield
2 : any of several North American scoters
3 : a harmless simple person; broadly : fellow 4c
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Examples of coot in a sentence
Don't mind him—he's just a crazy old coot.
Origin and Etymology of coot
Middle English coote; akin to Dutch koet coot
First Known Use: 15th century
COOT Defined for English Language Learners
coot
playDefinition of coot for English Language Learners
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: a type of black and gray bird that lives on or near the water
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: a strange and usually old man
Learn More about coot
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See words that rhyme with coot Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about coot
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