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Definition of phainopepla
phainopepla
/ˌfeɪnoʊˈpɛplə/
phai · no · pep · la
Plural:phainopeplas
phainopepla Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
11
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
North American A small, slender songbird (Phainopepla nitens) of the silky-flycatcher family, native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, characterized by a prominent crest, red eyes, and a diet heavily reliant on desert mistletoe berries. The male has glossy black plumage, while the female is dark gray.
Example
"While hiking through the Sonoran Desert, the birdwatchers were thrilled to spot a male phainopepla perched high in a mesquite tree."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the Greek words 'phaeinos' (shining) and 'peplos' (robe or cloak), referring to the striking, glossy black plumage of the male bird.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Phainopepla. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/phainopepla