woodpecker

noun

wood·​peck·​er ˈwu̇d-ˌpe-kər 

: any of numerous birds (family Picidae) with zygodactyl feet, stiff spiny tail feathers used in climbing or resting on tree trunks, a usually extensible tongue, a very hard bill used to drill the bark or wood of trees for insect food or to excavate nesting cavities, and generally showy parti-colored plumage

Illustration of woodpecker

Examples of woodpecker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition, the noise of carpenter bees can be disturbing, and their presence often attracts unwanted woodpeckers that cause additional damage while hunting for bee larvae. —Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 June 2024

The woodpeckers make their homes in the cavities of the tress that can take years to create. —Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024

Other signs include thinning tree canopy, abnormal shoots of growth, smaller leaves and lots of woodpecker activity. —Katie Langford, The Denver Post, 19 Sep. 2024

Weekend activities at Indiana state parks include hikes, kids fishing and educational programs on prairie habitat, woodpeckers and Hellbenders. —Indianapolis Star, The Indianapolis Star, 2 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1530, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing woodpecker

• acorn woodpecker
• downy woodpecker
• hairy woodpecker
• ivory-billed woodpecker
• pileated woodpecker
• red-bellied woodpecker
• red-cockaded woodpecker

Kids Definition

woodpecker

noun

wood·​peck·​er -ˌpek-ər 

: any of numerous brightly marked birds with strong claws and stiff tail feathers used in climbing or resting on tree trunks, a long flexible tongue, and a very hard bill used to drill into trees to get insects for food and to dig out holes for nesting