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Definition of bananaquit
bananaquit
/bəˈnænəkwɪt/
ba · na · na · quit
Plural:bananaquits
bananaquit Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
9
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
bananaquit Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
A small, active passerine bird native to the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, characterized by a curved bill, dark upperparts, a prominent white supercilium (eyebrow), and a bright yellow breast, which feeds primarily on nectar and fruit.
Example
"While sitting on the patio in Puerto Rico, we watched a bright yellow bananaquit piercing the base of a hibiscus flower to drink its nectar."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the mid-19th century from 'banana' (referring to its diet or tropical habitat) and 'quit', a Caribbean English term used for various small birds, possibly imitative of their sharp, squeaky calls.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Bananaquit. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 13, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/bananaquit