turnstone

[ turn-stohn ]

noun

any shorebird of the genus Arenaria, characterized by the habit of turning over stones in search of food.
British. ruddy turnstone.

Origin of turnstone

First recorded in 1665–75; turn + stone

Words Nearby turnstone

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use turnstone in a sentence

The turnstone (Strepsilas interpres) arrives in the islands in August after breeding in Alaska.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 1 | Various
Although the turnstone and semipalmated plovers are reminiscent, they are quite distinct and not to be confused.
Life Histories of North American Shore Birds, Part 1 (of 2) | Arthur Cleveland Bent
This peculiarity has gained for the turnstone its trivial name.
British Sea Birds | Charles Dixon
The turnstone changes its haunts but little during the breeding season.
British Sea Birds | Charles Dixon
The turnstone is a restless 88 little creature, ever on the run in quest of food.
British Sea Birds | Charles Dixon

British Dictionary definitions for turnstone

turnstone

/ (ˈtɜːnˌstəʊn) /

noun

either of two shore birds of the genus Arenaria, esp A. interpres (ruddy turnstone). They are related and similar to plovers and sandpipers

Origin of turnstone

C17: so called because it turns over stones in search of food

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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