pewee

[ pee-wee ]

noun

1. any of several New World flycatchers of the genus Contopus. Compare wood pewee.
2. the phoebe.

pewee

/ ˈpiːwiː /

noun

1. any of several small North American flycatchers of the genus Contopus, having a greenish-brown plumage

Word History and Origins

Origin of pewee¹

An Americanism dating back to 1790–1800; imitative

Word History and Origins

Origin of pewee¹

C19: imitative of its cry

Example Sentences

Presently he had the little girl listen to a pewee twittering in a thorn-bush and the lusty call of a robin from an apple-tree.

From Project Gutenberg

This bird differs chiefly in its lighter coloring, but not in habits, from the black pewee of the Pacific slope.

From Project Gutenberg

The slightly larger size of the phœbe and pewee is not always apparent when they are seen perching on the trees.

From Project Gutenberg

Now and again, as they rustled some low tree, a pewee or a nuthatch would give a startled chirp.

From Project Gutenberg

One thing must be said, however, in defence of the western wood-pewee—he means well.

From Project Gutenberg