shorebird

noun

shore·​bird ˈshȯr-ˌbərd How to pronounce shorebird (audio)
: any of a suborder (Charadrii) of birds (such as a plover or sandpiper) that frequent the seashore

Examples of shorebird in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Over 230 bird species have been recorded, including shorebirds, raptors, prairie birds, and large numbers of waterfowl. Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025 In one, there were tracks that reminded him of a small shorebird, such as a plover. Amanda Schupak, CNN Money, 25 Apr. 2025 Small footprints and beak marks were discovered near invertebrate trails, suggesting that ancient shorebirds were pecking around in search of a meal between 39 million and 50 million years ago. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025 During the summer, shorebirds and turtles nest at the beach. Casey Barber, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shorebird

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1672, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shorebird was circa 1672

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Cite this Entry

“Shorebird.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shorebird. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

shorebird

noun
shore·​bird ˈshō(ə)r-ˌbərd How to pronounce shorebird (audio)
ˈshȯ(ə)r-
: any of a group of birds (as a plover or sandpiper) that frequent the seashore
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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