hornbill

noun

horn·​bill ˈhȯrn-ˌbil 

: any of a family (Bucerotidae) of large nonpasserine birds of Africa and Eurasia having enormous bills

Illustration of hornbill

Examples of hornbill in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Nestled along the sandy shores of Siloso Beach, the resort is adorned in tropical greenery, while peacocks wander freely across the gardens, hornbills perch in the frangipani trees and dinosaur-like monitor lizards sunbathe by breakfast tables. —Nicole Trilivas, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025

The resort also partners with Imagine Thailand to provide clean drinking water to 25 locations and actively participates in hornbill conservation by creating artificial nests to support breeding. —Emese MacZko, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025

The Maryland Zoo is saddened to announce the passing of North, a northern ground hornbill (Bucorvus abyssinicus), at the age of 28. —Lexi Harpster, Baltimore Sun, 17 Feb. 2025

After initial challenges, North and the Zoo’s female hornbill, Blue, successfully hatched two chicks: Everest in 2023 and Rwenzori (Rwen) in 2024. —Lexi Harpster, Baltimore Sun, 17 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1773, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hornbill

• anthill
• backfill
• bluegill
• crossbill
• distil
• distill
• downhill
• dunghill
• foothill
• fulfil
• fulfill
• goodwill

Kids Definition

hornbill

noun

horn·​bill -ˌbil 

: any of a family of large Old World birds having enormous bills