phalarope

noun

phal·​a·​rope ˈfa-lə-ˌrōp How to pronounce phalarope (audio)
plural phalaropes also phalarope
: any of a genus (Phalaropus) of small shorebirds related to sandpipers but distinguished by their lobed toes and preference for swimming

Examples of phalarope in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Wilson's phalaropes, American oystercatchers and wood storks. Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024 Mono Lake provides habitat for imperiled shorebirds such as Wilson’s phalaropes, which stop at saline lakes during their long migrations, feeding on brine flies and other invertebrates. Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2024 Then there is Wilson’s phalarope, an unusual shorebird that often lives inland, despite a predilection for salt water. Emily Anthes, New York Times, 29 Aug. 2023 Among the birds counted on a seabird survey at Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary were 75 great shearwaters, 16 sooty shearwaters, 2,200 Wilson’s storm-petrels, two red phalaropes, and five parasitic jaegers. BostonGlobe.com, 5 Aug. 2023 Other Plum Island sightings were highlighted by an unseasonal merlin and a red-necked phalarope. BostonGlobe.com, 5 Aug. 2023 Meanwhile, in some of the species, such as the red-necked phalarope and belted kingfisher, the female bird actually displays more color than the male. Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 July 2023 Birds blown in at Race Point in Provincetown included 43 red-necked phalaropes, a razorbill, 5 parasitic jaegers, 24 black-legged kittiwakes, a black tern, 3 Arctic terns, an Iceland gull, 60 Wilson’s storm-petrels, 4 sooty shearwaters, and 8 Manx shearwaters. BostonGlobe.com, 14 June 2023 Recent bird sightings reported to Mass Audubon: Last week’s highlight was a red phalarope flight along Cape Cod early in the week. Isabela Rocha, BostonGlobe.com, 6 May 2023

Word History

Etymology

French, from New Latin phalaropod-, phalaropus, from Greek phalaris coot + pod-, pous foot; akin to Greek phalios having a white spot — more at bald, foot

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phalarope was in 1771

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Cite this Entry

“Phalarope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phalarope. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

phalarope

noun
phal·​a·​rope ˈfal-ə-ˌrōp How to pronounce phalarope (audio)
: any of various small shorebirds that resemble sandpipers but have thicker toes and are good swimmers

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