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Definition of corncrake

corncrake

/ˈkɔːrn.kreɪk/
corn · crake
Plural:corncrakes
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corncrake Lexical Profile

corncrake Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A secretive, migratory bird of the rail family (Crex crex) with mottled brown plumage, known for its distinctive, repetitive rasping call. It breeds in the grasslands and meadows of Europe and Asia, and winters in Africa.

Example

"While walking through the tall meadow grass at dusk, the ornithologist listened intently for the unmistakable rasping sound of a hidden corncrake."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for corncrake

• Nearby Words

corn salad
corn snake
cornbread
corncrake
corndog
corned beef
cornet

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from 'corn' (referring to the crop fields where the bird often hides) and 'crake' (an imitative word representing its harsh, grating call). First recorded in English in the 15th century.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Corncrake. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/corncrake
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