noun

plover

PLUV-uh

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Plover (noun) means a plover is any of several wading birds belonging to the subfamily Charadriinae. Example: “A plover ran along the tideline, stopping every few steps to peck at the sand.”

noun

A plover is any of several wading birds belonging to the subfamily Charadriinae.

"A plover ran along the tideline, stopping every few steps to peck at the sand."

"The wetland reserve is home to several species of plover."

"We watched a plover circle overhead, calling loudly to warn us off its nest."

regional In Australia, a plover is a masked lapwing, a large ground-nesting bird often seen in parks and on sports fields.

"A plover swooped low over the cricket pitch, defending its nest."

"In Australia, the plover is a familiar sight on suburban lawns."

"Plovers are a common sight pecking about on park lawns and sports fields."

How to use plover

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA plover is a small wading bird often spotted along shorelines and open ground.

When to use it

Plover is a standard word used in birdwatching and nature writing rather than everyday conversation.

Memory tip

Remember that plover names a whole group of wading birds, not just one species.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

clover →

Common pairings

ringed plover golden plover plover's nest plover chick

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A _____ ran along the tideline, stopping every few steps to peck at the sand.

Etymology

Plover comes down through Middle English from Anglo-Norman, where forms such as plovier were used. Behind that lies a Medieval Latin word, pluviarius, whose origin is debated but may be linked to the Latin word for rain, pluvia.

Origin: Anglo-Norman

Synonyms

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masked lapwing

Rhymes for plover

over cover lover hover Dover mover rover clover Hoover Grover glover Hanover

See all rhymes for plover →

Frequently asked questions

What is a plover?

A plover is a type of wading bird from the subfamily Charadriinae, typically found near water or open ground.

Why might 'plover' be linked to rain?

One suggested origin traces the word back to a Latin root meaning rain, though the exact history is disputed.

What does 'plover' mean in Australia?

In Australian English, plover commonly refers to the masked lapwing, a bird often seen in urban parks.

What is the meaning of plover?

"plover" (noun) means a plover is any of several wading birds belonging to the subfamily Charadriinae.