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shoebill

noun
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shoe·​bill | \ ˈshü-ˌbil How to pronounce shoebill (audio) \

Definition of shoebill

: a large gray wading bird (Balaeniceps rex) related to the storks and herons that inhabits wetlands of eastern Africa and has a thick broad bill

Examples of shoebill in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Its specialized bill allows the shoebill to grab large prey, including lungfish, tilapia, eels, and snakes. — National Geographic, 26 June 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'shoebill.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of shoebill

1861, in the meaning defined above

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The first known use of shoebill was in 1861

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Cite this Entry

“Shoebill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shoebill. Accessed 13 Jun. 2021.

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More from Merriam-Webster on shoebill

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shoebill

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