Illustration of sandpiper
sandpiper
noun
sand·pip·er
ˈsan(d)-ˌpī-pər 
: any of various small shorebirds (family Scolopacidae, the sandpiper family) distinguished from the related plovers chiefly by the longer and soft-tipped bill
Examples of sandpiper in a Sentence
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The state’s shores offer temperate-weather hiking with views of dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, pelagic birds such as the blue-footed booby and several species of sandpiper, and native wildflowers.
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Dakota Kim, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2024
For birdwatchers in particular, the downy woodpecker, purple martin and spotted sandpiper are just a few of the species that might make an appearance, while native mammals range from the red fox to the river otter—but the park is perhaps best known for its diverse array of reptiles.
—Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Just sandpipers skimming the surf, green sea turtles digging moonlit nests — and, every so often, Richard Gere strolling on the beach.
—Kathryn Romeyn, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025
Not an eclipsed sunrise but flocks of sandpipers and other shorebirds flocking against a reddening dawn sky.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 31 Mar. 2025
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Dakota Kim, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2024
For birdwatchers in particular, the downy woodpecker, purple martin and spotted sandpiper are just a few of the species that might make an appearance, while native mammals range from the red fox to the river otter—but the park is perhaps best known for its diverse array of reptiles.
—Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Just sandpipers skimming the surf, green sea turtles digging moonlit nests — and, every so often, Richard Gere strolling on the beach.
—Kathryn Romeyn, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025
Not an eclipsed sunrise but flocks of sandpipers and other shorebirds flocking against a reddening dawn sky.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sandpiper
Cite this Entry
“Sandpiper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sandpiper. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sandpiper
noun
sand·pip·er
-ˌpī-pər
: any of numerous small shorebirds with usually long bills and legs
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