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Definition of oilbird

oilbird

/ˈɔɪl.bɜːrd/
oil · bird
Plural:oilbirds
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oilbird Lexical Profile

oilbird Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A nocturnal, fruit-eating bird (Steatornis caripensis) native to the northern regions of South America and the Caribbean island of Trinidad, known for roosting in caves and navigating using a form of echolocation.

Example

"During their expedition to the Dunston Cave in Trinidad, the researchers recorded the clicking sounds the oilbird uses to navigate through the total darkness."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for oilbird

• Nearby Words

ohmmeter
oiapoque
oil
oilbird
oilfish
ointment
oise

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from 'oil' + 'bird'. The name refers to the historical practice of indigenous peoples and early settlers harvesting the extremely fat chicks to boil them down, extracting a clear, odorless oil used for lighting and cooking.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Oilbird. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/oilbird
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