spoonbill
noun
spoon·bill
ˈspün-ˌbil 
1
: any of several wading birds (family Threskiornithidae) related to the ibises that have an expanded bill that is flattened and rounded at the tip
2
: any of several broad-billed ducks (such as the shoveler)
Examples of spoonbill in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In late July and August, many migratory birds, including egrets, herons, and spoonbills, also stop on the beaches.
—
David Escribano, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2024
Boat rides to Little St. Simon Island give crews the chance to spot spoonbills and gannets.
—Lindsay Cohn, Parents, 13 May 2024
The large pink wader’s appearance also highlights the beginning of the annual post-breeding dispersal of southern herons, egrets, spoonbills, and storks north into the piedmont of the Carolinas.
—Taylor Piephoff, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024
As the spoonbills prance on sandbars, a reddish egret performs a vaudeville-style dance to stir up fish.
—Robin Soslow, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024
See all Example Sentences for spoonbill 
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.
David Escribano, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2024
Boat rides to Little St. Simon Island give crews the chance to spot spoonbills and gannets.
—Lindsay Cohn, Parents, 13 May 2024
The large pink wader’s appearance also highlights the beginning of the annual post-breeding dispersal of southern herons, egrets, spoonbills, and storks north into the piedmont of the Carolinas.
—Taylor Piephoff, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024
As the spoonbills prance on sandbars, a reddish egret performs a vaudeville-style dance to stir up fish.
—Robin Soslow, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024
See all Example Sentences for spoonbill
Dictionary Entries Near spoonbill
Cite this Entry
“Spoonbill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spoonbill. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
spoonbill
noun
spoon·bill
ˈspün-ˌbil
: any of several wading birds related to the ibises that have a bill with a broad, flat, and rounded tip
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share