magpie

American  

[mag-pahy] / ˈmægˌpaɪ /

noun

1. either of two corvine birds, Pica pica black-billed magpie, of Eurasia and North America, or P. nuttalli yellow-billed magpie, of California, having long, graduated tails, black-and-white plumage, and noisy, mischievous habits.

2. any of several related corvine birds.

3. any of several black-and-white birds not related to the true magpies, as Gymnorhina tibicen, of Australia.

4. an incessantly talkative person; noisy chatterer; chatterbox.

5. a person who collects or hoards things, especially indiscriminately.

6. Western U.S. a black-and-white cow or steer, as a Holstein.

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magpie British  

/ ˈmæɡˌpaɪ /

noun

1. any of various passerine birds of the genus Pica, esp P. pica, having a black-and-white plumage, long tail, and a chattering call: family Corvidae (crows, etc)

2. any of various similar birds of the Australian family Cracticidae See also butcherbird

3. any of various other similar or related birds

4. (often capital) a variety of domestic fancy pigeon typically having black-and-white markings

5. a person who hoards small objects

6. a person who chatters

7. 1. the outmost ring but one on a target

   2. a shot that hits this ring

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Etymology

Origin of magpie

1595–1605; Mag Margaret + pie ²

Example Sentences

It has also been observed in certain animals, including chimpanzees, dolphins, and magpies.

From Science Daily

The boy, having been fearful of getting lost, finds the way home again by following the thread of red yarn—only to discover that the magpies have prepared a wonderful Christmas surprise.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Tiger With Cubs” depicts a tigress nursing her young under pine trees as magpies heckle them.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Gone Before Goodbye” is not some magpie creature patched together from shopworn thriller tropes, even if certain plot elements feel a bit much.

From Los Angeles Times

Historians have interpreted this as the era’s political satire: the magpie, audacious in the presence of a great predator, represented the common man standing up to the nobility.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• debater
• orator