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Glite Dictionary
American woodcock

American woodcock

6.5
A small North American bird with a long bill that lives in wet fields
  • noun
  • /əˈmɛrɪkən ˈwʊdkɒk/
  • US
translation icon : aguja americana
  • Hunters often seek the American woodcock during the fall migration because of its unique flight patterns.

Examples

  • Each spring, the unique courtship display of the American woodcock attracts birdwatchers from across the country.

  • The American woodcock is sought after by bird hunters for its elusive nature.

  • We spotted an American woodcock near the edge of the wetland at dawn.

  • The American woodcock is known for its distinctive mating display.

  • Many hunters enjoy hunting the American woodcock during the fall season.

  • The American woodcock is known for its long bill, which it uses to probe the ground for earthworms.

  • Many birdwatchers enjoy observing the American woodcock as it performs its distinctive aerial displays in the spring.

Synonyms

woodcock
vsAmerican woodcock
5 8.1

A brown game bird with a long beak and short legs that lives in forests

is the specific North American species prized for hunting
Philohela minor
vsAmerican woodcock
  • Specialized
9.9

A small North American bird with a long bill that uses it to find worms and people hunt for food

is the everyday common name rather than a formal Latin name
timberdoodle
vsAmerican woodcock
  • US
9.9

A North American bird with a long bill that makes a spiral flight during mating season

is the standard or neutral name used in general contexts

Surface Forms

American woodcock singular
American woodcocks plural

Morphology

American + woodcock

The meaning is directly compositional: 'American' marks geographic origin and 'woodcock' names the species, so the phrase simply denotes a woodcock from America. This adjective+noun naming pattern is transparent and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would understand the referent.

Etymology

American woodcock gets its name from where it lives and from an old word for a bird: the 'woods' gives wood, and cock was used for a 'male bird'. That's why the name refers to this small North American bird with a long bill that people often hunt.