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

The number of curlew wading birds in Orkney is on the rise again after a drive to reduce the number of predatory stoats.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2025

The slender-billed curlew once traveled a vast range, migrating across Central Asia and the northwestern African coast.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 20, 2024

The decline of their natural habitat means curlew often breed in farmers' hayfields where their nests can be destroyed if the grass is mown in May or June, before chicks have had time to fledge.

From BBC • Aug. 3, 2024

The Eurasian curlew could be gone in Wales as a "viable breeding species" by 2033 if a 6% annual decline continues, experts warn.

From BBC • Aug. 3, 2024

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

From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson