rough-winged swallow

[ruhf-wingd] /ˈrʌfˌwɪŋd/

noun

either of two New World swallows of the genus Stelgidopteryx, having outer primary feathers with small barblike hooks on the margins.

any of several African swallows of the genus Psalidoprocne, having similar feathers.

Origin of rough-winged swallow

1830-1840

1830-40, Americanism

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2016.
Cite This Source

Examples from the Web for rough-winged swallow

Historical Examples

The rough-winged swallow builds in the wall and in old stone-heaps, and I have seen the robin build in similar localities.

In the Catskills John Burroughs
The rough-winged swallow builds in the wall and in old stone heaps, and I have seen the robin build in similar localities.

Wake-Robin John Burroughs
Only their cousin, the rough-winged swallow, whose breast is brownish gray, is so plainly dressed.

Birds Every Child Should Know Neltje Blanchan

What Is the Difference Between Discreet and Discrete?
Learn the correct uses of these two commonly confused homophones.
What Character Was Removed from the Alphabet?
What mistaken pronunciation gave this character its name?
Apostrophes 101
This small mark has two primary uses: to signify possession or omitted letters.
How Do I Get a Word into the Dictionary?
People invent new words all the time, but which ones actually make it?

Few English speakers likely know this word

Scrabble Words With Friends