merle

¹ American  

[murl] / mɜrl /

Or merl

noun

Chiefly Scot.

1. the blackbird, Turdus merula.

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merle ² American  

[murl] / mɜrl /

noun

1. a bluish gray color mottled with black.

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adjective

1. being the color merle.

Merle ³ American  

[murl] / mɜrl /

noun

1. a male or female given name.

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merle ¹ British  

/ mɛrl, mɜːl /

noun

1. another name for the (European) blackbird

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merle ² British  

/ mɜːl /

adjective

1. Often called: blue merle.  (of a dog, esp a collie) having a bluish-grey coat with speckles or streaks of black

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Etymology

Origin of merle¹

1350–1400; Middle English merule < Middle French < Latin merulus, merula ousel, blackbird

Origin of merle²

First recorded in 1900–05; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

Hemming has managed to breed a "merle" pattern into him, which animal experts say is a genetic defect that is linked to blindness and deafness in dogs.

From BBC • Jan. 23, 2023

"Like, pink comes from other breeds. Chocolate comes from other breeds, merle comes from other breeds. You can turn them pink."

From BBC • Jan. 23, 2023

Mudis are also defined by its unique merle markings and "loyal" demeanor.

From Fox News • Jan. 4, 2022

While most professional breeders know not to breed dogs that may produce a double merle dog, inexperienced breeders may not, Fuller said.

From Washington Post • Dec. 30, 2019

The merle she sang, Hail, Rose of most delight,     Hail, of all floris queen an' sovereign!

From Dreamthorp A Book of Essays Written in the Country by Smith, Alexander