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Definition of lyrebird

lyrebird

/ˈlaɪ.ɚˌbɝːd/
lyre · bird
Plural:lyrebirds
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lyrebird Lexical Profile

lyrebird Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Either of two large, ground-dwelling Australian songbirds (genus Menura) renowned for their extraordinary ability to mimic natural and artificial sounds, and for the male's spectacular lyre-shaped tail feathers displayed during courtship.

Example

"During our hike through the dense Australian rainforest, we were astounded to hear a lyrebird perfectly imitating the sound of a camera shutter and a chainsaw."

• Rhymes for lyrebird

• Nearby Words

lyra
lyre
lyre snake
lyrebird
lyric
lyrical
lyrically

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 18th century as a compound of 'lyre' and 'bird', referencing the spectacular tail feathers of the displaying male, which are thought to resemble the shape of a classical Greek lyre.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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