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
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'osel', derived from Old English 'ōsle' (meaning blackbird). It is cognate with the Old High German 'amsala' (blackbird).