View synonyms for

curlew

[ kur-loo ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

any of several shorebirds of the genus Numenius, having a long, slender, downcurved bill, as the common N. arquata, of Europe.
any of various similar birds.

curlew

/ ˈ��ɜː��ː /

noun

any large shore bird of the genus Numenius, such as N. arquata of Europe and Asia: family Scolopacidae (sandpipers, etc), order Charadriiformes. They have a long downward-curving bill and occur in northern and arctic regions Compare stone curlew

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Word History and Origins

Origin of curlew¹

1300–50; Middle English < Anglo-French curleu, cognate with Middle French corleu; perhaps imitative

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Word History and Origins

Origin of curlew¹

C14: from Old French corlieu, perhaps of imitative origin

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The number of curlew wading birds in Orkney is on the rise again after a drive to reduce the number of predatory stoats.

From

One in six species - such as water voles and curlews - are currently at risk of vanishing from Wales, which has seen a 20% decrease on average in its wildlife over the last 30 years.

From

The slender-billed curlew once traveled a vast range, migrating across Central Asia and the northwestern African coast.

From

Four UK shorebirds - the grey plover, dunlin, turnstone and curlew sandpiper - are becoming more endangered on the red list.

From

"A curlew," he says, and I just glimpse its long curved beak as we pass.

From

curler curlew sandpiper

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