noun
pipit
PIH-pit
Pipit (noun) means any of several small, plain, ground-feeding songbirds, mostly in the genus Anthus, typically found in open country. Example: “A pipit darted low over the meadow, searching for insects.”
noun
1
Any of several small, plain, ground-feeding songbirds, mostly in the genus Anthus, typically found in open country.
"A pipit darted low over the meadow, searching for insects."
"Pipits are easy to overlook because of their dull, streaky plumage."
"Several pipit species winter on coastal grassland."
How to use pipit
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small, drab songbird that feeds on the ground in open country.
When to use it
Pipit is the standard ornithological name, used in both casual and scientific birdwatching.
Memory tip
Pipits are often confused with larks because both are small, brown, ground-dwelling birds of open country.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a meadow pipit
a pipit's song
ground-feeding pipits
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like pipit.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A _____ darted low over the meadow, searching for insects.
Etymology
No confirmed origin for pipit has been recorded; the word's history is not well documented.
Synonyms
View more →
titlark
lark
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What is a pipit?
A pipit is a small, plain-coloured songbird, most often in the genus Anthus, that feeds on insects on the ground in open habitats.
Where do pipits live?
Pipits favour open country such as grassland, moorland and coastline rather than woodland.
What do pipits eat?
As ground-feeding insectivores, pipits mainly eat insects and other small invertebrates found on open ground.
What is the meaning of pipit?
"pipit" (noun) means any of several small, plain, ground-feeding songbirds, mostly in the genus Anthus, typically found in open country.
