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Definition of avocet

avocet

/ˈæv.ə.sɛt/
av · o · cet
Plural:avocets
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avocet Lexical Profile

avocet Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A long-legged wading bird of the genus Recurvirostra, characterized by a distinctively upward-curving bill and typically striking, contrasting black and white plumage, found in shallow wetlands and coastal habitats globally.

Example

"The elegant avocet swept its long, upturned bill side to side through the shallow water to catch small crustaceans."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for avocet

• Nearby Words

avo
avoca
avocado
avocet
avoid
avoidable
avoidably

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed into English in the mid-17th century from French 'avocette', which derives from Italian 'avocetta'. The ultimate origin is uncertain, though it may derive from Latin 'avis' (bird) or playfully reference the dark-robed plumage and prominent 'beak' of a lawyer (Italian 'avvocato').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Avocet. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/avocet
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