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 notesIn plain EnglishA type of water bird, or informally, a cranky or odd old person.
Common pairings
old coot
a crazy old coot
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Word forms
- Plural
- coots
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.
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.
