snakebird
|snake-bird|
🇺🇸
/ˈsneɪkˌbɝd/
🇬🇧
/ˈsneɪkˌbɜːd/
snake-like water bird
Etymology
'snakebird' originates from English, specifically the words 'snake' and 'bird', where 'snake' comes from Old English 'snaca' meaning 'serpent' and 'bird' from Old English 'brid' meaning 'young bird' (later generalized to 'bird').
'snakebird' is a Modern English compound formed from 'snake' + 'bird'; 'snake' developed from Old English 'snaca' and 'bird' from Old English 'brid', and the compound was coined in English to describe a bird with a snake-like neck.
Initially it meant 'a bird that resembles a snake (because of its long neck)', and this descriptive meaning has been retained into modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
any of several long-necked aquatic birds of the family Anhingidae (darters), characterized by a long, slender neck and pointed bill; they often swim with only the neck above water, resembling a snake.
A snakebird glided along the river, its long neck protruding like a snake.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/08 22:25