noun

shoebill

SHOO-bil

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Shoebill (noun) means a shoebill is a large wading bird, Balaeniceps rex, related to the stork and found in tropical African swamps. Example: “The shoebill stood motionless at the edge of the swamp, waiting for a fish to pass.”

noun

A shoebill is a large wading bird, Balaeniceps rex, related to the stork and found in tropical African swamps.

"The shoebill stood motionless at the edge of the swamp, waiting for a fish to pass."

"Birdwatchers travel to African wetlands hoping to spot a shoebill."

"A shoebill's huge, shoe-shaped bill makes it easy to identify."

How to use shoebill

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA shoebill is the African swamp bird best known for its enormous, boot-shaped bill.

When to use it

It is a specific, neutral common name used in ordinary and scientific writing alike.

Memory tip

Picture a shoe stuck on the front of a stork's head and the name and the bird stay linked in memory.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

tropical African swamps huge, shoe-shaped bill stand motionless wading bird

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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”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ stood motionless at the edge of the swamp, waiting for a fish to pass.

Etymology

Shoebill is a straightforward compound of shoe and bill, describing the bird's large, shoe-shaped beak.

Origin: English

Frequently asked questions

What is a shoebill?

It is a tall wading bird, Balaeniceps rex, known for its huge, shoe-shaped bill and its stork-like build.

Where do shoebills live?

They live in tropical swamps in Africa.

Is the shoebill a type of stork?

It is closely related to storks but forms its own family, Balaenicipitidae, as the only species in it.

What is the meaning of shoebill?

"shoebill" (noun) means a shoebill is a large wading bird, Balaeniceps rex, related to the stork and found in tropical African swamps.