rough-winged swallow

noun

: a swallow of the American genus Stelgidopteryx or of the African genus Psalidoprocne having the outer web of the first primary developed into a series of minute hooks

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rough-winged swallow was in 1838

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near rough-winged swallow

Cite this Entry

“Rough-winged swallow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rough-winged%20swallow. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!