Search Dictionary
Definition of oropendola

oropendola

/ˌɔːrəˈpɛndələ/
o · ro · pen · do · la
Plural:oropendolas
JUMP TO:

oropendola Lexical Profile

oropendola Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any of several large tropical American passerine birds of the New World blackbird family (Icteridae), notable for their sharply pointed bills, prominent yellow tail feathers, and the elaborate, long pendulous nests they weave in colonies.

Example

"During the expedition to Costa Rica, the ornithologists observed a colony of Montezuma oropendolas weaving their spectacular pouch-like nests high in the canopy."

• Nearby Words

oroblanco
orontes
orontium
oropendola
orphan
orphanage
orphanhood

Word Origin & Etymology

From American Spanish 'oropéndola', applied to these birds because of their yellow plumage elements and pendulous nests. It originates from the Spanish word for the golden oriole, deriving from Late Latin 'auripendulus' (meaning 'golden-hanging'), from 'aurum' (gold) + 'pendulus' (hanging).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Oropendola. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/oropendola
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.