noun

lapwing

LAP-wing

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Lapwing (noun) means a medium-sized wading bird of the plover family, especially the northern lapwing. Example: “A lapwing circled low over the field to lure the fox from its nest.”

noun

A medium-sized wading bird of the plover family, especially the northern lapwing.

"A lapwing circled low over the field to lure the fox from its nest."

"Farmers were pleased to see lapwings back in the meadow in spring."

"The lapwing's broad, rounded wings give its flight a distinctive, floppy look."

How to use lapwing

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA wading bird known for its wobbly, floppy flight.

When to use it

Lapwing is a plain, neutral term used in ordinary nature writing.

Memory tip

Despite ending in wing, the name's origin actually has nothing to do with the bird's wings.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

a flock of lapwings lapwings nesting the call of a lapwing lapwing eggs

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A _____ circled low over the field to lure the fox from its nest.

Etymology

The word comes from Middle English forms such as lapwynge, which trace back to Old English hleapewince, itself a joining of a word meaning to leap and a word meaning to wink or make a sign, describing the bird's flight. Its modern spelling was later reshaped to look like the word wing, though that link is not the true origin.

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

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peewit pewit

Related words

peewit pewee peewee

Frequently asked questions

What is a lapwing?

A lapwing is a medium-sized wading bird belonging to the plover family, with the northern lapwing being the best known species.

Is a lapwing a type of plover?

Yes, lapwings belong to the subfamily Vanellinae within the wider plover family, Charadriidae.

Why is it called a lapwing?

The name comes from Old English words for leaping and winking, referring to the bird's distinctive way of flying rather than its wings.

What is the meaning of lapwing?

"lapwing" (noun) means a medium-sized wading bird of the plover family, especially the northern lapwing.

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