chachalaca

noun

cha·​cha·​la·​ca
ˌchächəˈläkə
plural -s
: any of several large chiefly arboreal guans of Ortalis and related genera that somewhat resemble wild turkeys but are longer legged and have a well-developed feathered crest, that are native to Central America and Mexico with one variety (O. vetula macalli) extending into southern Texas, and that are highly regarded as game birds

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Nahuatl, twittering of a bird, of imitative origin

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near chachalaca

Cite this Entry

“Chachalaca.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chachalaca. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!