noun
capercaillie
kap-uh-KAY-lee
Capercaillie (noun) means a large black grouse, especially the western capercaillie. Example: “We hoped to spot a capercaillie in the pine forest.”
noun
1
A large black grouse, especially the western capercaillie.
"We hoped to spot a capercaillie in the pine forest."
"The male capercaillie is a large, dark bird."
"Capercaillies are members of the grouse family."
How to use capercaillie
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA big black grouse, the western capercaillie being the best known.
When to use it
It is a specific bird name used mostly in nature writing and birdwatching.
Memory tip
The tricky spelling is pronounced as if it were written with a -kay-lee ending.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
western capercaillie
a male capercaillie
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We hoped to spot a _____ in the pine forest.
Etymology
English took the word from Scots capercailzie, which is a corruption of Scottish Gaelic words meaning horse and of the woods.
Synonyms
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wood grouse
capercailzie
Rhymes for capercaillie
See all rhymes for capercaillie →Frequently asked questions
What is a capercaillie?
A capercaillie is a large, black grouse. The best known species is the western capercaillie.
How do you pronounce capercaillie?
In British English it is kap-uh-KAY-lee, with the stress on the third syllable.
Where does the word capercaillie come from?
It comes from Scots capercailzie, itself a corruption of Scottish Gaelic words for horse and of the woods.
What is the meaning of capercaillie?
"capercaillie" (noun) means a large black grouse, especially the western capercaillie.
