Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

merle

noun (1)
\ˈmər(-ə)l \
variants: or less commonly merl

Definition of merle 

(Entry 1 of 2)

: blackbird sense 1a

merle

noun (2)

Definition of merle (Entry 2 of 2)

: a bluish or reddish gray mixed with splotches of black that is the color of the coats of some dogs

First Known Use of merle

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1911, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for merle

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin merulus; akin to Old English ōsle blackbird, Old High German amsla

Noun (2)

origin unknown

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about merle

Statistics for merle

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for merle

The first known use of merle was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

More from Merriam-Webster on merle

See words that rhyme with merle

Comments on merle

What made you want to look up merle? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

exculpate

to clear from alleged fault or guilt

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Difficult Vocab Quiz

  • the-education-of-achilles-eugne-delacroix
  • Which is a synonym of discomfit?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Dictionary Devil

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

TAKE THE QUIZ

TRENDING NOW

  1. gaslight It is a word, though.

  2. invasion CNN reporter questions President.

  3. relevancy Ariana Grande slams ex-fiancé.

SEE ALL

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