jackdaw

[ jak-daw ]

noun

1. a glossy, black, European bird, Corvus monedula, of the crow family, that nests in towers, ruins, etc.
2. boat-tailed grackle.

jackdaw

/ ˈdʒækˌdɔː /

noun

1. a large common Eurasian passerine bird, Corvus monedula , in which the plumage is black and dark grey: noted for its thieving habits: family Corvidae (crows)

Word History and Origins

Origin of jackdaw¹

First recorded in 1535–45; jack ¹ + daw

Word History and Origins

Origin of jackdaw¹

C16: from jack ¹+ daw

Example Sentences

Every morning an old jackdaw perched on a chimney outside our skylight, and entertained us with his chatter.

From Project Gutenberg

Tinker hopped round him as nimbly as a tomtit or a jackdaw, and presently gave him another little taste of his steel.

From Project Gutenberg

Beneath the jackdaw's wing, where so many of our cathedrals repose, sanctity and authority would be conferred upon it.

From Project Gutenberg

He speaks yawing like a jackdaw that gapes to be fed with cheese-curds.

From Project Gutenberg

The artful Jackdaw builds in the cliffs, and his cousin, the Crow, searches the shore for food.

From Project Gutenberg