sandpiper

[ sand-pahy-per ]

noun

1. any of numerous shore-inhabiting birds of the family Scolopacidae, related to the plovers, typically having a slender bill and a piping call.

sandpiper

/ ˈsændˌpaɪpə /

noun

1. any of numerous N hemisphere shore birds of the genera Tringa, Calidris, etc, typically having a long slender bill and legs and cryptic plumage: family Scolopacidae, order Charadriiformes
2. any other bird of the family Scolopacidae, which includes snipes and woodcocks

Word History and Origins

Origin of sandpiper¹

First recorded in 1665–75; sand + piper

Example Sentences

Mr. Couch adds that this was the first specimen of the Common Sandpiper he had had since he had been in the Islands.

From Project Gutenberg

The common sandpiper is about upon the shallows where the streams run swiftly, and the elegant water wagtails abound.

From Project Gutenberg

Their appearance is very similar to the Least Sandpiper, but they are slightly larger and the feet are partially webbed.

From Project Gutenberg

Similar in appearance to the Red-backed Sandpiper, but not so reddish above, and the latter has the black patch on the belly.

From Project Gutenberg

Otherwise very similar to the Least Sandpiper, but with the breast and sides of neck ruddy in summer.

From Project Gutenberg