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Glite Dictionary
dunnock

dunnock

9.7
A small brown bird that sings and often lives in gardens and hedges
  • noun
  • /ˈdʌnək/
  • UK
translation icon : dunnock
  • Here in Europe, there is a small brown bird called the Dunnock.

Examples

  • Many birdwatchers enjoy observing the dunnock as it sings from a low branch.

  • Here in Europe, there is a small brown bird called the Dunnock.

    Blog text (30)

  • Dunnock (not verified) - August 23, 2011 @ 11:44 PM

    Blog text (2)

  • The dunnock is commonly seen hopping around gardens in Europe.

  • In spring, the presence of the dunnock adds joyful sounds to the garden.

Synonyms

Prunella modularis
vsdunnock
  • Specialized
9.9

A small brown bird that sings and lives in European gardens, woodlands and hedges

is the everyday English name used for the same bird
hedge sparrow
vsdunnock
  • UK
5.8

A small brown songbird found in hedges and gardens

is the standard English name used in scientific and field guides

Surface Forms

dunnock singular
dunnocks plural

Morphology

dunnock = dun (opaque) = dun + ock

Historically formed from 'dun' + diminutive suffix '-ock' meaning 'little brown one', but 'dun' is archaic and '-ock' is not productive, so learners cannot reliably derive the bird meaning.

Etymology

Dunnock comes from the old English word dun meaning 'brown' and the small ending -ock. So it literally means 'little brown one', which helps explain why this bird is small and brown.