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Glite Dictionary
greater whitethroat

greater whitethroat

9.9
A small brown bird with a white throat that sings in hedges in Europe and western Asia
  • noun
  • UK
translation icon : curruca común
  • We spotted a greater whitethroat singing in the hedgerow during our morning walk.

Examples

  • The greater whitethroat is known for its distinctive, scratchy song.

  • During migration, large numbers of greater whitethroats can be seen in southern Europe.

  • The greater whitethroat is known for its beautiful song.

  • Many birdwatchers enjoy spotting the greater whitethroat during spring.

  • During migration, large numbers of greater whitethroats can be seen in southern Europe.

  • We spotted a greater whitethroat singing in the hedgerow during our morning walk.

  • Many birdwatchers enjoy spotting the greater whitethroat during spring.

Synonyms

Sylvia communis
vsgreater whitethroat
  • Specialized
9.9

A small grey-brown songbird with a white throat found in Europe

is the common name form used in everyday speech rather than the scientific label
whitethroat
vsgreater whitethroat
  • UK
9.9

A small songbird that lives in Europe and western Asia and has a pale white throat

is given with precise white throat and underparts rather than just whitish throat

Surface Forms

greater whitethroat singular
greater whitethroats plural

Morphology

greater + whitethroat

The compound is directly compositional: 'greater' (larger/more) modifies 'whitethroat' (a warbler with a white throat), so the phrase denotes the larger/major species or individual of the whitethroat. This adjective+noun naming pattern is transparent and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents can infer the meaning.

Etymology

Greater whitethroat gets its name from a simple description: whitethroat refers to the bird's 'white throat' and pale underparts. Greater was added to show this species is the 'larger' one compared with similar whitethroats, so the name tells you it is a bigger songbird with a white throat.