Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
greenshank

greenshank

9.8
A large bird that wades in shallow water with greenish legs and a long bill
  • noun
translation icon : aguatero
  • The greenshank is known for its distinctive greenish legs and sharp, probing bill.

Examples

  • During migration, flocks of greenshanks can be seen on mudflats and estuaries.

  • A single greenshank was spotted feeding along the bank of the river.

  • Look at that greenshank!

  • I saw a greenshank!

  • A single greenshank was spotted feeding along the bank of the river.

  • During migration, flocks of greenshanks can be seen on mudflats and estuaries.

  • The greenshank is known for its distinctive greenish legs and sharp, probing bill.

Synonyms

Tringa nebularia
vsgreenshank
  • UK
9.9

A large wading bird with greenish legs often found in wet places in Europe

is the common English name used instead of the Latin form

Surface Forms

greenshank singular
greenshanks plural

Morphology

greenshank = green + shank (transparent) = green + shank

The name is a straightforward compound 'green' + 'shank' describing the bird's greenish legs, so learners knowing the components can infer the meaning.

Etymology

Greenshank is made of green and shank, where shank means 'leg'. It was named for the bird's greenish legs, so the name literally means 'green leg'.