noun
morepork
MOR-pork
Morepork (noun) means a small brown owl native to New Zealand and Tasmania, also known as the Tasmanian spotted owl. Example: “A morepork called from the bush as night fell.”
noun
1
chiefly New Zealand A small brown owl native to New Zealand and Tasmania, also known as the Tasmanian spotted owl.
"A morepork called from the bush as night fell."
"You can often hear a morepork's cry in New Zealand forests after dark."
"The morepork is easily recognised by its distinctive two-note call."
2
colloquial, derogatory, Australia and New Zealand A mild insult for someone regarded as foolish, lazy or slow.
"Stop being such a morepork and get a move on."
"He called his brother a morepork for missing the bus again."
How to use morepork
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small native owl of New Zealand and Tasmania, named after its own call.
When to use it
The bird sense is neutral, but the insult sense is informal and can cause offence.
Memory tip
The name is simply the bird's call spelled out, so saying it aloud helps you remember the pronunciation.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
hear a morepork
a morepork's call
morepork owl
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Fill the gap
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A _____ called from the bush as night fell.
Etymology
The word imitates the sound of the owl's own call.
Synonyms
View more →
mopoke
ruru
Frequently asked questions
What is a morepork?
It is a small brown owl native to New Zealand and Tasmania, named after the sound of its call.
Is morepork the same as mopoke?
Yes, mopoke is used in Australia for the same bird.
Is morepork ever used as an insult?
Yes, in Australia and New Zealand it can be used informally to describe someone seen as foolish or slow.
What is the meaning of morepork?
"morepork" (noun) means a small brown owl native to New Zealand and Tasmania, also known as the Tasmanian spotted owl.
