ouzel
ouzel Lexical Profile
ouzel Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A small, semi-aquatic bird of the dipper family (Cinclidae), often called the water ouzel, recognized by its habit of bobbing up and down and walking underwater along fast-flowing streams to forage.
"While hiking near the mountain rapids, the ornithologist was thrilled to spot a water ouzel plunging beneath the surface to hunt for aquatic insects."
A bird of the thrush family native to Europe and northwestern Africa, particularly the ring ouzel, which closely resembles a blackbird but features a distinctive white crescent across its breast.
"The birdwatcher carefully adjusted their binoculars to get a better look at the elusive ring ouzel resting on the craggy moorland."
• Rhymes for ouzel
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'osel', derived from Old English 'ōsle' (meaning blackbird). It is cognate with the Old High German 'amsala' (blackbird).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.