phalarope

noun

phal·​a·​rope ˈfa-lə-ˌrōp 

plural phalaropes also phalarope

: any of a genus (Phalaropus) of small shorebirds related to sandpipers but distinguished by their lobed toes and preference for swimming

Examples of phalarope in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Along the way, the practical trio try to go a different route, diverting everyone’s attention to the endangered species of the region, like Wilson’s phalarope whose survival depends on the Great Salt Lake’s permanence. — Tomris Laffly, Variety, 22 Jan. 2026

Wilson's phalaropes, American oystercatchers and wood storks. — Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024

Then there is Wilson’s phalarope, an unusual shorebird that often lives inland, despite a predilection for salt water. — Emily Anthes, New York Times, 29 Aug. 2023

Among the birds counted on a seabird survey at Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary were 75 great shearwaters, 16 sooty shearwaters, 2,200 Wilson’s storm-petrels, two red phalaropes, and five parasitic jaegers. — BostonGlobe.com, 5 Aug. 2023

Word History

Etymology

French, from New Latin phalaropod-, phalaropus, from Greek phalaris coot + pod-, pous foot; akin to Greek phalios having a white spot — more at bald, foot

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

phalarope

noun

phal·​a·​rope ˈfal-ə-ˌrōp 

: any of various small shorebirds that resemble sandpipers but have thicker toes and are good swimmers