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Definition of cockatoo

cockatoo

/ˌkɑːk.əˈtuː/
cock · a · too
Plural:cockatoos
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cockatoo Lexical Profile

cockatoo Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any of various large parrots belonging to the family Cacatuidae, native to Australasia and characterized by a prominent, erectile crest of feathers on the head and a strong, curved bill.

Example

"During our hike through the Australian bush, we spotted a flock of sulfur-crested cockatoos screeching loudly in the eucalyptus trees."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for cockatoo

• Rhymes for cockatoo

• Nearby Words

cockamamie
cockapoo
cockatiel
cockatoo
cockblock
cockblocker
cockcrowing

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Dutch 'kaketoe', which originated from the Malay 'kakatua' (meaning 'parrot', potentially derived from an imitation of the bird's call or combining 'kaka' meaning 'parrot' and 'tua' meaning 'old').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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