noun

oystercatcher

OY-stuh-kach-uh

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Oystercatcher (noun) means a black or pied wading bird of the genus Haematopus that lives on coasts and has a long red or orange bill for feeding on shellfish. Example: “Oystercatchers picked their way along the shoreline at low tide.”

noun

A black or pied wading bird of the genus Haematopus that lives on coasts and has a long red or orange bill for feeding on shellfish.

"Oystercatchers picked their way along the shoreline at low tide."

"We watched an oystercatcher prise a mussel open with its bill."

"A pair of oystercatchers nested on the shingle beach."

How to use oystercatcher

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA coastal wading bird known for its bright bill and taste for shellfish.

When to use it

It's a standard ornithological term with no informal alternative in everyday English.

Memory tip

Remember it's a compound of oyster and catcher, so it's always spelled as one word.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

a pair of oystercatchers an oystercatcher's bill oystercatchers on the shore

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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 “oystercatcher” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ picked their way along the shoreline at low tide.

Etymology

The word joins oyster with catcher, describing the bird's habit of feeding on shellfish along the shore.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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sea-pie sea-magpie

Rhymes for oystercatcher

watcher hatcher snatcher thatcher scratcher dreamcatcher

See all rhymes for oystercatcher →

Frequently asked questions

What does an oystercatcher eat?

Oystercatchers feed mainly on shellfish such as oysters and mussels, prising them open with their long bill.

What colour is an oystercatcher's bill?

Its bill is long and coloured red or orange.

Is oystercatcher one word?

Yes, it is written as a single word formed from oyster and catcher.

What is the meaning of oystercatcher?

"oystercatcher" (noun) means a black or pied wading bird of the genus Haematopus that lives on coasts and has a long red or orange bill for feeding on shellfish.