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noun

coot

koot

Coot (noun) means a dark waterbird with a distinctive white patch on its forehead, often seen on lakes and ponds. Example: “A pair of coots paddled across the pond.”

noun
1
A dark waterbird with a distinctive white patch on its forehead, often seen on lakes and ponds.
"A pair of coots paddled across the pond."
2
(informal, usually "old coot") An eccentric or foolish person, especially an old man.
"The old coot next door still won't use a mobile phone."

How to use coot

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA type of water bird, or informally, a cranky or odd old person.

Common pairings
old coot a crazy old coot

Word forms

coots plural, coots plural

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Test yourself on “coot” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A pair of _____ paddled across the pond.

Etymology

From Middle English cote, of uncertain origin — possibly borrowed from Middle Dutch coet, the same word that gives Dutch koet.

Origin: Middle English

Rhymes for coot

See all rhymes for coot →

Frequently asked questions

What does “coot” mean?

The word “coot” means a dark waterbird with a distinctive white patch on its forehead, often seen on lakes and ponds. In plain terms, a type of water bird, or informally, a cranky or odd old person.

How do you pronounce “coot”?

“Coot” is pronounced koot (/kuːt/ in IPA).

How do you use “coot” in a sentence?

Here is “coot” used in a sentence: “A pair of coots paddled across the pond.”

What part of speech is “coot”?

“Coot” is a noun.

Where does the word “coot” come from?

The word “coot” comes from Middle English. From Middle English cote, of uncertain origin — possibly borrowed from Middle Dutch coet, the same word that gives Dutch koet.

How many meanings does “coot” have?

“Coot” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a dark waterbird with a distinctive white patch on its forehead, often seen on lakes and ponds.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial