hornbill

[ hawrn-bil ]

noun

1. any large bird of the family Bucerotidae, of the Old World tropics, characterized by a very large bill usually surmounted by a horny protuberance.

hornbill

/ ˈhɔːnˌbɪl /

noun

1. any bird of the family Bucerotidae of tropical Africa and Asia, having a very large bill with a basal bony protuberance: order Coraciiformes (kingfishers, etc)

Word History and Origins

Origin of hornbill¹

First recorded in 1765–75; horn + bill ²

Example Sentences

Some of them wore on the head the scarlet beak of the hornbill; these had taken heads.

From Project Gutenberg

On April 28th he saw a hornbill inspecting the hole, regardless of the noisy protests of the paroquets.

From Project Gutenberg

They also brought a curious fighting ornament worn on the head, made of upper bills of the hornbill.

From Project Gutenberg

I can't think it's on account of their looks; for there's the kiwi, the hornbill, and sakes alive—the puffins!

From Project Gutenberg

Father Hornbill, of course, gets all the meals for Mother Hornbill, while she's setting.

From Project Gutenberg