Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

jackdaw

noun jack·daw \ ˈjak-ˌdȯ \

Definition of jackdaw

1 : a common black and gray bird (Corvus monedula) of Eurasia and northern Africa that is related to but smaller than the carrion crow
2 : grackle 1

See jackdaw defined for kids

Recent Examples of jackdaw from the Web

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

First Known Use of jackdaw

1543

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

JACKDAW Defined for Kids

jackdaw

noun jack·daw \ ˈjak-ˌdȯ \

Definition of jackdaw for Students

: a black and gray European bird related to but smaller than a crow

Learn More about jackdaw

  1. See words that rhyme with jackdaw Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about jackdaw

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up jackdaw? 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!

WORD OF THE DAY

nonchalant

play

having an air of easy unconcern

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. probity 'adherence to the highest principles and ideals'

  2. sequacious 'intellectually servile'

  3. inadmissible 'not capable of being allowed'

  4. oligarch, pejorative 'a member a government in which a small group exercises control especially for corrupt and selfish purposes'

  5. emolument 'the returns arising from office or employment usually in the form of compensation or perquisites'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

jackdaw

Test Your Vocabulary

The Eponym Quiz

  • rubens-painting
  • Which is the best synonym of bowdlerize?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

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