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noun

jackdaw

JAK-daw
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Jackdaw (noun) means a bird of the genus Coloeus that looks like a crow and belongs to the same family. Example: “A jackdaw sat on the church tower and called down at us.”

noun
1
A bird of the genus Coloeus that looks like a crow and belongs to the same family.
"A jackdaw sat on the church tower and called down at us."
"Jackdaws often nest in old ruins."
"There was a jackdaw on the chimney pot this morning."

How to use jackdaw

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA crow-like bird that likes to nest in towers and ruins.

When to use it

It is a plain, everyday word for a bird.

Memory tip

Jackdaw is written as one word, with no hyphen.

Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a flock of jackdaws European jackdaw
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A _____ sat on the church tower and called down at us.

Etymology

The word is a compound of jack and daw. The first part may refer to the bird's call or may come from the name Jack, and daw is itself an old word for the same bird, from Old English.

Origin: English

daw

Frequently asked questions

What is a jackdaw?
A jackdaw is a bird of the genus Coloeus. It looks like a crow and is in the same family.
Where do jackdaws nest?
They are traditionally linked with church towers and ruins, where they often like to nest.
What does daw mean?
Daw is another word for a jackdaw, and it forms the second half of the compound.
What is the meaning of jackdaw?
"jackdaw" (noun) means a bird of the genus Coloeus that looks like a crow and belongs to the same family.