Old World warbler
- noun
- Specialized
:
curruca del Viejo Mundo
- During their migration, several species of Old World warbler pass through the wetlands every spring.
Examples
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The garden was alive with the song of an Old World warbler perched in the hedgerow.
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Researchers studied the nesting habits of the Old World warbler in southern Europe.
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The Old World warbler is known for its beautiful song.
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Many Old World warblers migrate during the winter months.
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In spring, I often hear the cheerful songs of Old World warblers in the nearby park.
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While hiking through the forest, we spotted an Old World warbler flitting between the branches.
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Birdwatchers are excited to see several species of Old World warblers migrate through our area each year.
Synonyms
A small active songbird usually brown or grey from Europe, Asia and Africa
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun phrase is compositionally built: 'warbler' (a small songbird) modified by 'Old World', so the basic meaning 'a warbler from the Old World' can be inferred from the parts. However, 'Old World' is a lexicalized historical/geographical term (Europe/Asia/Africa) that a B1 learner may not precisely know, so the expression is only partly predictable.
Etymology
Old World warbler comes from two simple parts: Old World, meaning Europe, Asia and Africa, and warbler, a small bird that 'sings' a lot. So the name points to small, active songbirds from the Old World, which is why we use it for these birds today.
