noun
kingfisher
KING-fish-uh
Kingfisher (noun) means a brightly coloured bird with a large head and short tail that feeds mostly on fish. Example: “A kingfisher flashed past along the river bank.”
noun
1
A brightly coloured bird with a large head and short tail that feeds mostly on fish.
"A kingfisher flashed past along the river bank."
"The kingfisher waited on a branch above the water."
"We were lucky to see two kingfishers on our walk."
How to use kingfisher
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA brilliantly coloured bird that catches fish.
When to use it
It is an ordinary, neutral word for a bird.
Memory tip
Say it as one word with the stress on the first syllable, and add -s for the plural.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
common kingfisher
spot a kingfisher
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Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A _____ flashed past along the river bank.
Etymology
The word began as king's fisher, from Middle English kyngys fyschare, made from king and fisher. The reason for the name is obscure.
Rhymes for kingfisher
See all rhymes for kingfisher →Frequently asked questions
What do kingfishers eat?
Kingfishers feed mostly on fish.
What does a kingfisher look like?
Kingfishers have a large head, a short tail and brilliant colouring.
Why is it called a kingfisher?
The word comes from the older form king's fisher, but the reason for the name is not clear.
What is the meaning of kingfisher?
"kingfisher" (noun) means a brightly coloured bird with a large head and short tail that feeds mostly on fish.
