crossbill

noun

cross·​bill ˈkrȯs-ˌbil How to pronounce crossbill (audio)
: any of a genus (Loxia of the family Fringillidae) of finches with curved mandibles that cross each other

Examples of crossbill in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Modest numbers of red crossbills at the Montague Sandplains Wildlife Management Area in Montague where at least 33 were tallied. BostonGlobe.com, 19 Aug. 2023 At Birch Hill Wildlife Management Area in Winchendon three acadian flycatchers and 28 red crossbills were counted, and five evening grosbeaks were present in Royalston. BostonGlobe.com, 19 Aug. 2023 Worcester County: Four sandhill cranes on Hall Road in Hardwick and eight red crossbills at gate 43 at Quabbin Reservoir in Hardwick. BostonGlobe.com, 19 Aug. 2023 In addition, scattered small flocks of red crossbills continue to be reported from a number of localities in western parts of the state. BostonGlobe.com, 5 Aug. 2023 See all Example Sentences for crossbill 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1672, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crossbill was circa 1672

Dictionary Entries Near crossbill

Cite this Entry

“Crossbill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crossbill. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

crossbill

noun
cross·​bill -ˌbil How to pronounce crossbill (audio)
: any of a genus of finches with the upper and lower parts of the bill curved so that they cross each other when the bill is closed

Legal Definition

cross bill

see bill sense 3a

More from Merriam-Webster on crossbill

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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