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Definition of peppershrike

peppershrike

/ˈpɛp.ɚ.ʃɹaɪk/
pep · per · shrike
Plural:peppershrikes
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peppershrike Lexical Profile

• 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

pepperoncini
pepperoni
pepperpot
peppershrike
pepperwood
peppery
peppily

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 Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/peppershrike
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