Agelaius

noun

Ag·​e·​la·​ius

ˌa-jə-ˈlā-əs

: a genus of birds (family Icteridae) comprising the red-winged blackbirds

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, borrowed from Greek agelaîos "of the herd, gregarious," from agélē "herd, troop" (derivative of ágein "to lead") + -aios, adjective suffix

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined above

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now