Definition of kingfisher
: any of numerous nonpasserine birds (family Alcedinidae) that are usually crested and bright-colored with a short tail and a long stout sharp bill
People Are Reading
Recent Examples of kingfisher from the Web
-
Each of its 21 rooms is named after a bird found near the estuary, such as kingfisher or heron.
-
Some attractions are a snapping turtle that likes to sun itself on a log, a variety of fish in the lake and such fish-eating birds as herons, kingfishers and mergansers.
-
From Buley Rockhole, take the two-mile Florence Creek Walk through the monsoon rainforest and spot a range of wildlife, from unique bird species such as kingfishers and fairy-wrens, to bandicoots (small terrestrial marsupials).
-
Other favorites: Paintings that incorporate critters among leaves and branches, such as a kingfisher on a willow branch ($1,500).
-
Gliding across the water as the sun came up and the shorebirds — kingfishers, sandpipers, herons, egrets — sprang to life was a heavenly treat.
-
Kingfishers give fish to their mates, while the great gray shrike, native to most northern climes, is more dramatic.
-
A kingfisher flew over the shallows, and out in the center of the pond, a loon and a chick were snorkeling — scanning with their heads underwater — and diving for fish.
-
Certain brightly colored birds, like kingfishers or parrots, have feathers embedded with a not-quite-random arrangement of air pockets.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'kingfisher.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of kingfisher
15th century
KINGFISHER Defined for English Language Learners
kingfisher
playDefinition of kingfisher for English Language Learners
-
: a type of brightly colored bird that has a long, thin bill and that catches fish by diving into water
KINGFISHER Defined for Kids
kingfisher
playDefinition of kingfisher for Students
: a crested bird with a short tail, long sharp bill, and bright feathers
Learn More about kingfisher
-
See words that rhyme with kingfisher Spanish Central: Translation of kingfisher Nglish: Translation of kingfisher for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about kingfisher
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up kingfisher? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!