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Definition of dunlin

dunlin

/ˈdʌn.lɪn/
dun · lin
Plural:dunlins
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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

dungeness
dungeness river
dunkleosteus
dunlin
dunnart
dunnock
dunns river

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 Oct 17, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/dunlin
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