waxwing

noun

wax·​wing ˈwaks-ˌwiŋ How to pronounce waxwing (audio)
: any of a genus (Bombycilla) of American and Eurasian chiefly brown to gray oscine birds (such as a cedar waxwing) having a showy crest, red waxy material on the tips of the secondaries, and a yellow band on the tip of the tail

Illustration of waxwing

Illustration of waxwing

Examples of waxwing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Their berries are an important food source for thrushes, finches, robins, and waxwings during fall and winter months. — Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Aug. 2024 Their nutrient-rich berries are favorites for fruit-eating birds, including robins, thrushes, waxwings, and orioles. — Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of waxwing was in 1817

Phrases Containing waxwing

Dictionary Entries Near waxwing

wax white

waxwing

waxwork

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“Waxwing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waxwing. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.

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Kids Definition

waxwing

noun
wax·​wing ˈwak-ˌswiŋ How to pronounce waxwing (audio)
: any of a genus of American and Eurasian birds that are mostly brown or gray with a showy crest, velvety feathers, and sometimes red waxy material on the tip of the lower wing feathers

More from Merriam-Webster on waxwing

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about waxwing

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