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

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

The curlew was once a common sight across Northern Ireland, but numbers had fallen by more than 80% since the 1980s.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

The moss also creates habitats for rare species, such as the curlew, and is a vital tool in the fight against wildfires.

From BBC • Feb. 8, 2026

Experts believe that thousands of animals and other wildlife were killed in the flames - including curlew, grouse chicks and hares.

From BBC • Oct. 14, 2025

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

From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson