stork

noun

ˈstȯrk 

: any of various large wading birds (family Ciconiidae) chiefly of Asia, Africa, and South America that have long stout bills and are related to the ibises and herons

Illustration of stork

Examples of stork in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Each year millions of birds, including storks, vultures, and eagles, make the nine-mile flight over the Strait of Gibraltar that separates Europe and Africa. —David Escribano, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2024

Its efforts have paid off: there are now around 1,800 storks in Assam, up from around 400 in 2007. —Eduardo Garcia, Forbes, 19 Sep. 2024

Newlyweds Olivia Munn and John Mulaney just got a visit from the stork. —Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 22 Sep. 2024

The name Vlasic drums up a certain vinegary image: a pickle-bearing stork, a crunchy snack and Michigan agricultural history. —Liam Rappleye, Detroit Free Press, 21 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English storc; akin to Old High German storah stork and probably to Old English stearc stiff — more at stark

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing stork

• wood stork

Kids Definition

stork

noun

ˈstȯ(ə)rk 

: any of various large mostly African and Asian wading birds that have long stout bills and are related to the herons and ibises