dotterel

Also dot·trel

[dot-er-uhl]

noun

1. any of several plovers usually inhabiting upland areas, especially Eudromias morinellus, of Europe and Asia.

2. British Dialect.,  a silly, stupid person, especially one who is easily duped.

dotterel

/ ˈdɒtrəl /

noun

1. a rare Eurasian plover, Eudromias morinellus, with reddish-brown underparts and white bands around the head and neck

2. any similar and related bird, esp of the genus Charadrius

3. dialect,  a person who is foolish or easily duped

Word History and Origins

Origin of dotterel¹

First recorded in 1400–50, dotterel is from the late Middle English word dotrelle. See dote, -rel

Word History and Origins

Origin of dotterel¹

C15 dotrelle; see _dote

Example Sentences

Scotland is home to Arctic specialists - birds like dotterel, snow bunting and ptarmigan - which are found high on Scotland's mountains.

Read more on BBC

Soon the island has lost its terns and its rails and its dotterels, but it has an abundance of rats.

Read more on New York Times

It warned birds such as kittiwakes and dotterels were particularly vulnerable.

Read more on BBC

A dotterel goes plaintively piping over the stones, and the "cheep, cheep," of the awakening ling-birds rises from every brae.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

Last night we had dotterel and sandpipers for dinner, this morning greenshanks, which are very good birds indeed.

Read more on Project Gutenberg