spoonbill

noun

spoon·​bill ˈspün-ˌbil 

1

: any of several wading birds (family Threskiornithidae) related to the ibises that have an expanded bill that is flattened and rounded at the tip

2

: any of several broad-billed ducks (such as the shoveler)

Examples of spoonbill in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This movement is easy to spot these days because scientists have attached bands — some with GPS trackers — onto about 3,000 spoonbills. — Alex Harris july 8, Miami Herald, 8 July 2026

In the film's 2014 sequel, Rio 2, the actor played a spoonbill and a blue macaw named Peri. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Dec. 2025

Birders will delight in the biodiversity of this year-round rookery that brings together egrets, herons, ibises, and spoonbills. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 24 May 2025

In late July and August, many migratory birds, including egrets, herons, and spoonbills, also stop on the beaches. — David Escribano, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1678, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing spoonbill

• roseate spoonbill
• spoonbill cat

Kids Definition

spoonbill

noun

spoon·​bill ˈspün-ˌbil 

: any of several wading birds related to the ibises that have a bill with a broad, flat, and rounded tip