dial bird

noun

di·​al bird

ˈdī(ə)l-

: any of several songbirds of India (such as the magpie robin) related to the European robin

Word History

Etymology

by folk etymology from Hindi dahiyāl

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined above

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!