sapsucker

noun

sap·​suck·​er ˈsap-ˌsə-kər How to pronounce sapsucker (audio)
: any of a genus (Sphyrapicus) of North American woodpeckers that drill holes in trees in order to obtain sap and insects for food

Examples of sapsucker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Woodpeckers and sapsuckers have spent some time loving your tree. Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 July 2024 Holes that are in rows are caused by woodpeckers and sapsuckers. Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 June 2024 Olympic National Park - Washington Birds of Olympic National Park:Bald eagle, Western gull, Red-breasted sapsucker, Woodpecker, Belted kingfisher, Steller’s and Gray jay, Blue grouse, Peregrine falcon and Northern pygmy owl. Camille Fine, USA TODAY, 29 July 2023 Many types of insects and animals, including sapsuckers, detect the sweet tree sap and will be attracted to the area. oregonlive, 23 July 2023 See all Example Sentences for sapsucker 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sapsucker.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1805, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sapsucker was in 1805

Dictionary Entries Near sapsucker

Cite this Entry

“Sapsucker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sapsucker. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

sapsucker

noun
sap·​suck·​er ˈsap-ˌsək-ər How to pronounce sapsucker (audio)
: any of various North American woodpeckers that drill holes in trees in order to obtain sap and insects for food

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