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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Short-distance migrants: These can include the eastern phoebe, the yellow-bellied sapsucker and the song sparrow. Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2025 During springtime, the region brims with migrating turkey vultures alongside species like the red-naped sapsucker, flammulated owl and violet-green swallow, while winter is the perfect time to marvel at raptors like the merlin and bald eagle. Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024 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 See All Example Sentences for sapsucker

Word History

First Known Use

1805, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sapsucker was in 1805

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Cite this Entry

“Sapsucker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sapsucker. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on sapsucker

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