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Definition of cuckooshrike

cuckooshrike

/ˈkʊk.uːˌʃraɪk/
cuck · oo · shrike
Plural:cuckooshrikes
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cuckooshrike Lexical Profile

• noun

1

Any of various arboreal passerine birds belonging to the family Campephagidae, found primarily in the subtropical and tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australasia, typically characterized by stout bills and predominantly grey, black, or white plumage.

Example

"During our ornithological survey in Queensland, we observed a black-faced cuckooshrike foraging for insects in the eucalyptus canopy."

• Nearby Words

cuckold
cuckoo
cuckoo flower
cuckooshrike
cucumber
cud
cuddle

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed as a compound of 'cuckoo' and 'shrike' in the early 19th century, referring to the bird's superficial physical resemblance to both groups, despite it not being closely related to either.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cuckooshrike. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 6, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cuckooshrike
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