noun

waxwing

WAKS-wing

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Waxwing (noun) means any of several crested songbirds of the genus Bombycilla, with red tips to their wings. Example: “A flock of waxwings stripped the rowan tree of its berries.”

noun

Any of several crested songbirds of the genus Bombycilla, with red tips to their wings.

"A flock of waxwings stripped the rowan tree of its berries."

"The waxwing's crest gives it a distinctive silhouette against the sky."

"Birdwatchers gathered when a rare waxwing was spotted in the park."

How to use waxwing

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA crested songbird with striking red-tipped wings, named for those wax-like tips.

When to use it

A standard ornithological term used in both everyday birdwatching talk and scientific writing.

Memory tip

The name describes the wing tips, not the bird's diet, so it has nothing to do with wax as food.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

a flock of waxwings a cedar waxwing spot a waxwing waxwings feeding on berries

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A flock of _____ stripped the rowan tree of its berries.

Etymology

Waxwing is formed by joining wax and wing. The name refers to the wax-like tips found on the bird's secondary wing feathers.

Origin: English

Frequently asked questions

Why is it called a waxwing?

It is named for the wax-like red tips on its secondary wing feathers, which give the bird its distinctive look.

What does a waxwing look like?

It has a crested head and red tips to its wings, marking it out among other songbirds.

What genus do waxwings belong to?

Waxwings belong to the genus Bombycilla.

What is the meaning of waxwing?

"waxwing" (noun) means any of several crested songbirds of the genus Bombycilla, with red tips to their wings.