grebe

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noun \ ˈgrēb \

Definition of grebe

:any of a family (Podicipedidae) of swimming and diving birds closely related to the loons but having lobed toes — compare dabchick

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Recent Examples of grebe from the Web

Not only can birders spot ducks, geese, grebes and coots; a number of warblers, sparrows, woodpeckers, birds of prey including bald eagles, golden eagles and ospreys, and much more also move through the area.

— michigan wildlife council, Detroit Free Press, "Exploring Michigan’s Wetland Wonders," 21 Aug. 2017
On an easy half-mile walk, visitors can watch and discuss ducks, geese, grebes and songbirds.

— anita gosch, Orange County Register, "Free in the O.C.: May 2017," 20 May 2017
A pair of grebes who didn’t love each other might be less willing to cooperate.

— brandon keim, WIRED, "Animals and Love: Exclusive Excerpt From Exultant Ark," 16 June 2011
At Clear Lake, the western grebe is a breeding bird and also a winter visitant, attracted by the abundant fish of the lake.

— rachel carson, The New Yorker, "Silent Spring—I," 1 Jan. 1950

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