umbrella cockatoo

noun

: a white cockatoo (Cacatua alba) native to Indonesia that has a long, broad, white crest resembling an umbrella when raised and that is often kept as a pet

Sidney is a 20-month-old, foot-tall white umbrella cockatoo with yellow markings under each wing and its tail. Store manager Dana Adams says only the bird knows whether it's a male or female.

—Larry Powell, The Dallas Morning News, 12 Jan. 2001

called also white cockatoo

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

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!