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View synonyms for curlew
curlew
[ kur-loo ]
noun
- any of several shorebirds of the genus Numenius, having a long, slender, downcurved bill, as the common N. arquata, of Europe.
- any of various similar birds.
curlew
/ ˈkɜːljuː /
noun
- 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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Word History and Origins
Origin of curlew1
1300–50; Middle English < Anglo-French curleu, cognate with Middle French corleu; perhaps imitative
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Word History and Origins
Origin of curlew1
C14: from Old French corlieu, perhaps of imitative origin
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Example Sentences
A low call came from a brooding curlew, a faint sigh from a plover, and the wild rasping cry of a lapwing greeted them overhead.
From Project Gutenberg
More than once at night the cry of migrating waders was heard, curlew being unmistakable, and (I think) bar-tailed godwit.
From Project Gutenberg
"The Curlew" dashed forward, rising and falling with the swells.
From Project Gutenberg
It was at once set; and "The Curlew" started on in the wake of the shower.
From Project Gutenberg
It ain't as if 'The Curlew' was loaded down, and lay low in the water.
From Project Gutenberg
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