meadow pipit

8.2

A small brown and white songbird that lives in open grasslands and sings a thin high song

noun

: pipit de pradera

The meadow pipit is a common sight in grasslands across northern Europe.

Examples

During migration, flocks of meadow pipits can be seen moving south in autumn.
A meadow pipit perched on a fence post, singing its high-pitched song.
The meadow pipit sings beautifully in the morning.
Many meadow pipits can be seen in the fields.
A meadow pipit perched on a fence post, singing its high-pitched song.
The meadow pipit is a common sight in grasslands across northern Europe.
During migration, flocks of meadow pipits can be seen moving south in autumn.

Synonyms

Anthus pratensis

vsmeadow pipit

Specialized

9.8

A small brown bird that lives in open grassy areas in Europe and Asia

is the common nontechnical name used in everyday contexts

pipit

vsmeadow pipit

9.5

A small brown songbird that hops on the ground in open fields

refers to that particular species found in northern and central Europe and Asia

Anthus

vsmeadow pipit

Specialized

9.9

Small thin songbirds called pipits that live in open places around the world

applies specifically to one species common in northern and central Europe and Asia

Surface Forms

meadow pipit singular

meadow pipits plural

Morphology

meadow + pipit

The meaning is directly and transparently derived from 'meadow' (grassland) + 'pipit' (a small streaked songbird), yielding a bird associated with meadows. This straightforward noun–noun compounding follows common English habitat-naming patterns, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Meadow pipit comes from two simple parts: meadow for the grassy places it likes, and pipit, a short word that copies the bird's high 'pip' call. So, the name helps you remember it is a small brown-and-white songbird that lives in meadows.