Search Dictionary
Definition of dunlin

dunlin

/ˈdʌn.lɪn/
dun · lin
Plural:dunlins
JUMP TO:

dunlin Lexical Profile

dunlin Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A small, highly gregarious sandpiper (Calidris alpina) native to the Arctic and subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere, recognized by its long, slightly down-curved bill and the distinctive black belly patch it develops during the breeding season.

Example

"A large flock of dunlins was seen foraging for small invertebrates along the muddy coastal shore at low tide."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for dunlin

• Nearby Words

dunk
dunker
dunkleosteus
dunlin
dunnart
dunno
dunnock

Word Origin & Etymology

From the English word 'dun' (referring to its brownish-grey winter plumage) combined with the diminutive suffix '-ling' (later shortened to '-lin'). First recorded in the 1530s.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Dunlin. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 6, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/dunlin
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.