noun
C2
Proficient
magpie
MAG-peye
Magpie (noun) means a black-and-white bird of the crow family, known for its chattering call and reputed liking for shiny objects. Example: “A magpie kept swooping at the garden fence all morning.”
noun
1
A black-and-white bird of the crow family, known for its chattering call and reputed liking for shiny objects.
"A magpie kept swooping at the garden fence all morning."
2
A person who collects or hoards objects indiscriminately, especially trinkets or shiny things.
"She's a real magpie — her jewellery box is stuffed with things she never wears."
How to use magpie
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the black-and-white bird, or (as a nickname for a person) someone who compulsively collects or hoards odds and ends.
Common pairings
magpie for something
chattering magpie
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Word forms
- Plural
- magpies
- Third person singular
- magpies
- Past tense
- magpied
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A _____ kept swooping at the garden fence all morning.
Etymology
From "Mag", a nickname for Margaret once used for a chatty person, combined with the old word "pie" meaning magpie, from Latin pica.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for magpie
See all rhymes for magpie →Frequently asked questions
What does “magpie” mean?
The word “magpie” means a black-and-white bird of the crow family, known for its chattering call and reputed liking for shiny objects. In plain terms, either the black-and-white bird, or (as a nickname for a person) someone who compulsively collects or hoards odds and ends.
How do you pronounce “magpie”?
“Magpie” is pronounced MAG-peye (/ˈmæɡˌpaɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “magpie” in a sentence?
Here is “magpie” used in a sentence: “A magpie kept swooping at the garden fence all morning.”
What part of speech is “magpie”?
“Magpie” is a noun.
Where does the word “magpie” come from?
The word “magpie” comes from Latin. From "Mag", a nickname for Margaret once used for a chatty person, combined with the old word "pie" meaning magpie, from Latin pica.
How many meanings does “magpie” have?
“Magpie” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a black-and-white bird of the crow family, known for its chattering call and reputed liking for shiny objects.
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