noun
wagtail
WAG-tayl
Wagtail (noun) means a small bird with a long tail, belonging mainly to the genus Motacilla and found in the Old World. Example: “A wagtail hopped across the car park, picking at crumbs.”
noun
1
A small bird with a long tail, belonging mainly to the genus Motacilla and found in the Old World.
"A wagtail hopped across the car park, picking at crumbs."
"She spotted a wagtail beside the stream."
"Several wagtails were feeding on the school playing field."
How to use wagtail
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small, long-tailed bird.
When to use it
It is an everyday word used in general and birdwatching contexts.
Memory tip
It is a compound of wag and tail, so the meaning is easy to remember.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
pied wagtail
grey wagtail
yellow wagtail
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A _____ hopped across the car park, picking at crumbs.
Etymology
The word comes from Middle English wagstert, meaning literally a bird that wags its tail. The modern form is partly a substitution of tail for the older second element.
Rhymes for wagtail
See all rhymes for wagtail →Frequently asked questions
What is a wagtail?
A wagtail is a small bird with a long tail. Wagtails belong mainly to the genus Motacilla.
Why is it called a wagtail?
The name comes from Middle English wagstert, which means wag-tail. It is made from the words wag and tail.
How do you say wagtail?
It is said WAG-tayl, with the stress on the first syllable.
What is the meaning of wagtail?
"wagtail" (noun) means a small bird with a long tail, belonging mainly to the genus Motacilla and found in the Old World.
