tinamou

[ tin-uh-moo ]

noun

1. any of several birds of the family Tinamidae, of South and Central America, related to the ratite birds but superficially resembling the gallinaceous birds.

tinamou

/ ˈtɪnəˌmuː /

noun

1. any bird of the order Tinamiformes of Central and South America, having small wings, a heavy body, and an inconspicuous plumage

Word History and Origins

Origin of tinamou¹

First recorded in 1775–85; from French, from Galibi (a Carib language spoken in French Guiana) tinamu

Word History and Origins

Origin of tinamou¹

C18: via French from Carib (Galibi) tinamu

Example Sentences

There is something remarkable in the great tinamou which I suspect has hitherto escaped notice.

From Project Gutenberg

At the close of day the great tinamou gives a loud, monotonous, plaintive whistle, and then immediately springs into the tree.

From Project Gutenberg

When surprised on the open ground the Ypecaha lies close, like a Tinamou, refusing to rise until almost trodden upon.

From Project Gutenberg

He was galloping over the pampas, with a very violent wind blowing in his face, when a Tinamou started up before his horse.

From Project Gutenberg

The larger one is known as the rufous and the smaller one as the spotted tinamou.

From Project Gutenberg