phoebe
12 synonyms for phoebe, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A small grayish flycatcher bird found in North America, known for its distinctive call.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
The bird's name is imitative of its call, likely influenced by the given name Phoebe, which comes from Ancient Greek phoibe, "bright, shining one" — a title once linked to the moon goddess Selene.
Full origin of phoebe →Frequently asked questions
What does “phoebe” mean?
The word “phoebe” means a small grayish flycatcher bird found in North America, known for its distinctive call. In plain terms, either a small North American bird, or a common girl's name.
How do you pronounce “phoebe”?
“Phoebe” is pronounced FEE-bee (/ˈfiːbi/ in IPA).
How do you use “phoebe” in a sentence?
Here is “phoebe” used in a sentence: “A phoebe perched on the fence post, flicking its tail.”
What part of speech is “phoebe”?
Depending on how it is used, “phoebe” can be a noun and a name.
Where does the word “phoebe” come from?
The word “phoebe” comes from Ancient Greek. The bird's name is imitative of its call, likely influenced by the given name Phoebe, which comes from Ancient Greek phoibe, "bright, shining one" — a title once linked to the moon goddess Selene.
Is “phoebe” a common word?
“Phoebe” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “phoebe” have?
“Phoebe” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small grayish flycatcher bird found in North America, known for its distinctive call.
