curlew

American  

[kur-loo] / ˈkɜr lu /

noun

1. any of several shorebirds of the genus Numenius, having a long, slender, downcurved bill, as the common N. arquata, of Europe.

2. any of various similar birds.

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curlew British  

/ ˈkɜːljuː /

noun

1. any large shore bird of the genus Numenius, such as N. arquata of Europe and Asia: family Scolopacidae (sandpipers, etc), order Charadriiformes. They have a long downward-curving bill and occur in northern and arctic regions Compare stone curlew

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Etymology

Origin of curlew

1300–50; Middle English < Anglo-French curleu, cognate with Middle French corleu; perhaps imitative

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

curlew

Elmley curlew keeper Simon Higgs said the ground-nesting birds' decline was mainly been due to changing farming practices and an increase in predators.

From BBC ● Aug. 4, 2026

Saved by firefighters during the blaze in Brookeborough, County Fermanagh, the four curlew eggs have now hatched.

From BBC ● Jun. 5, 2026

Earlier this year curlew eggs were saved by firefighters during a "significant wildfire" in County Fermanagh as their nest was directly in the fire's path and close to being lost in the blaze.

From BBC ● May 31, 2026

It also asked that the public continue to report any curlew sightings to them.

From BBC ● May 31, 2026

We sat quietly, the only sounds the occasional cry of the curlew and Lottie’s contented nursing.

From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson