chough

[ chuhf ]

noun

1. any of several crowlike Old World birds, especially Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax, of Europe.

chough

/ tʃʌf /

noun

1. a large black passerine bird, Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax, of parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, with a long downward-curving red bill: family Corvidae (crows)
2. alpine chough
   alpine chough a smaller related bird, Pyrrhocorax graculus, with a shorter yellow bill

Word History and Origins

Origin of chough¹

1275–1325; Middle English choghe; akin to Old English cēo, Dutch kauw, Danish kaa

Word History and Origins

Origin of chough¹

C14: of uncertain origin; probably related to Old French cauwe, Old English cēo

Example Sentences

Scientists have found piles of chough bones in some caves visited by Neandertals.

From Science News For Students

Whether the European Chough should not form a distinct genus is a matter of opinion.

From Project Gutenberg

According to them he alone is responsible for the disappearance of his distinguished relation, the chough.

From Project Gutenberg

But of the chough in captivity or as a domesticated bird we know little now, as no records have been preserved.

From Project Gutenberg

Not many years since, the Chough was far from uncommon in several parts of the coast of Devon and Cornwall.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Lemon had a favourite tame Cornish chough that would always obey his call.

From Project Gutenberg