spoonbill
|spoon-bill|
B2
/ˈspuːnˌbɪl/
bird with a spoon-shaped bill
Etymology
Etymology Information
'spoonbill' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'sponebil,' where 'spone' meant 'spoon' and 'bil' meant 'bill.'
Historical Evolution
'sponebil' transformed into the modern English word 'spoonbill.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred to the bird's distinctive bill shape, and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a type of wading bird with a long, flat, spoon-shaped bill, belonging to the family Threskiornithidae.
The spoonbill is often found in shallow waters, searching for food.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/06/25 17:42