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Definition of gnatcatcher

gnatcatcher

/ˈnætˌkætʃ.ər/
gnat · catch · er
Plural:gnatcatchers
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gnatcatcher Lexical Profile

gnatcatcher Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any of several small, active, insectivorous songbirds of the genus Polioptila, native to North and South America, distinguished by their slender bills, long tails, and predominantly gray and white plumage.

Example

"Birdwatchers were thrilled to spot a blue-gray gnatcatcher darting quickly among the coastal shrubs to catch small insects."

• Rhymes for gnatcatcher

• Nearby Words

gnash
gnashers
gnat
gnatcatcher
gnateater
gnatwren
gnaw

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed as a compound of 'gnat' and 'catcher', first recorded in the mid-19th century in direct reference to the bird's diet of small flying insects.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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