sandpiper

noun

sand·​pip·​er ˈsan(d)-ˌpī-pər 

: any of various small shorebirds (family Scolopacidae, the sandpiper family) distinguished from the related plovers chiefly by the longer and soft-tipped bill

Illustration of sandpiper

Examples of sandpiper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In cooler months, migratory birds like snow geese and sandpipers pass through the refuge along the Atlantic Flyway, making Back Bay a haven for birdwatchers. —AFAR Media, 17 Dec. 2024

This has had a detrimental effect on wild bird populations, some of which — including the western sandpiper — are now imperiled. —Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2024

Shorebirds began their journeys early and travel fast, many of them after a short breeding season in the far, far north, so birds like sandpipers, yellowlegs, willets, godwits and curlews are already present in abundant numbers. —Jack Gedney, The Mercury News, 23 Sep. 2024

Examples of birds with this wing type are ducks, falcons, swifts and sandpipers. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1674, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing sandpiper

• upland sandpiper

Kids Definition

sandpiper

noun

sand·​pip·​er -ˌpī-pər 

: any of numerous small shorebirds with usually long bills and legs