woodcock
Woodcock (noun) means a plump wading bird with a long, slender bill and mottled brown feathers, found in woodland and marshes. Example: “A woodcock burst out of the undergrowth as we walked past.”
How to use woodcock
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA camouflaged, long-billed bird that lives in woods and is popular with hunters and birdwatchers alike.
Word forms
woodcock plural, woodcocks plural, Woodcocks plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A _____ burst out of the undergrowth as we walked past.
Etymology
From Old English wudecocc, literally "wood" plus "cock" (bird), describing where it lives.
Frequently asked questions
What does “woodcock” mean?
The word “woodcock” means a plump wading bird with a long, slender bill and mottled brown feathers, found in woodland and marshes. In plain terms, a camouflaged, long-billed bird that lives in woods and is popular with hunters and birdwatchers alike.
How do you pronounce “woodcock”?
“Woodcock” is pronounced WUUD-kok (/ˈwʊd.kɒk/ in IPA).
How do you use “woodcock” in a sentence?
Here is “woodcock” used in a sentence: “A woodcock burst out of the undergrowth as we walked past.”
What part of speech is “woodcock”?
“Woodcock” is a noun.
Where does the word “woodcock” come from?
The word “woodcock” comes from Old English. From Old English wudecocc, literally "wood" plus "cock" (bird), describing where it lives.