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Definition of peppershrike
peppershrike
/ˈpɛp.ɚ.ʃɹaɪk/
pep · per · shrike
Plural:peppershrikes
peppershrike Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
12
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
Any of the stout-billed Neotropical songbirds comprising the genus Cyclarhis within the vireo family (Vireonidae), native to Central and South America and noted for their olive-green plumage, heavy hooked bills, and melodious songs.
Example
"During our ornithological survey in the Colombian cloud forest, we were thrilled to hear the distinctive, melodic phrasing of a rufous-browed peppershrike hidden in the canopy."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for peppershrike• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
A compound of 'pepper' and 'shrike', coined in the 19th century due to the bird's stout, slightly hooked bill which superficially resembles that of true shrikes (family Laniidae), though peppershrikes actually belong to the vireo family.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Peppershrike. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/peppershrike