1,400 new words in our dictionary! — Parasocial, glow-up, promposal & more
1,400 new words in our dictionary! — More

rara avis

noun

Definition of rara avisnext
as in rare bird

Related Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of rara avis Sitting in the center, with a passenger seat to the left and right, the lucky driver will feel equally at home in the US, the UK or anywhere a long stretch of pavement invites this rara avis to soar. — Robert Ross, Robb Report, 21 June 2021 Finding that rara avis of product design that combines pretty with practical is thrilling, and porcelain tile is both. — Sarah Baird, Good Housekeeping, 14 Sep. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rara avis
  1. wonder
  2. marvel
  3. prodigy
Noun
  • That we, as human beings, have been endowed with the ability to channel that creativity fills me with a sense of awe and wonder.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Steinbach thinks audiences look at both with the same mix of wonder and dread.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of wonder
Noun
  • This, too, is a marvel of the modern Jewish state – the unusual multitasking of commuting and worshipping.
    — Ben Corn, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Thousands had come to watch that night and marvel at the temporary lights illuminating the field.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of marvel
Noun
  • Indeed, Infiniti’s wide-eyed portrait of a prodigy is equal parts inspired and frustrating.
    — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Do not be surprised if their latest batch of prodigies spring a couple of surprises.
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of prodigy

Browse Nearby Words

rapturousness
rara avis
rara avises
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rara avis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rara%20avis. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of nemesis

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 18
See More

Popular

See More

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
crayons-in-a-circle
Guess the Color Quiz Questions that use the whole box of crayons.
See All