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Definition of lapwing

lapwing

/ˈlæp.wɪŋ/
lap · wing
Plural:lapwings
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lapwing Lexical Profile

lapwing Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any of several medium-sized ground-nesting birds of the plover family (Charadriidae), especially the Eurasian lapwing, native to temperate Eurasia and noted for its wispy crest, iridescent back, erratic tumbling flight, and distinctive wailing call.

Example

"As we walked across the damp moorland, a lapwing suddenly took to the air with its characteristic tumbling flight and piercing call."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for lapwing

• Nearby Words

lapel
lapsi
laptop
lapwing
larch
lard
larder

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'hlēapewince' (from 'hlēapan' meaning 'to leap' and 'wince' meaning 'totter' or 'wince'), describing its erratic flight. By the 16th century, folk etymology altered the word to 'lapwing', associating it with the lapping or flapping of its wings.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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