Definition of magpie
1 : any of various birds (especially Pica pica) related to the jays but having a long graduated tail and black-and-white or brightly colored plumage
2 : a person who chatters noisily
3 : one who collects indiscriminately
Explore M-W
Examples of magpie in a Sentence
media magpies will no doubt seize upon the president's latest gaffe and blow it all out of proportion
Illustration of magpie
Origin and Etymology of magpie
Mag (nickname for Margaret) + 1pie
magpie
Definition of magpie
1 : collected indiscriminately : miscellaneous magpie compilations of unrelated tidbits — Helen R. Cross
2 : given to indiscriminate collecting : acquisitive what possible magpie instinct had impelled me to retain them — S. J. Perelman
Examples of magpie in a Sentence
a pack rat whose cramped apartment is filled with a magpie collection of books, old newspapers, and tchotchkes
First Known Use of magpie
1796
MAGPIE Defined for English Language Learners
magpie
playDefinition of magpie for English Language Learners
-
: a noisy black-and-white bird
-
: a person who collects and keeps different things
MAGPIE Defined for Kids
magpie
playDefinition of magpie for Students
: a noisy black-and-white bird related to the jays
Learn More about magpie
-
See words that rhyme with magpie Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for magpie Spanish Central: Translation of magpie Nglish: Translation of magpie for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about magpie
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up magpie? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!