Search Dictionary
Definition of phainopepla

phainopepla

/ˌfeɪnoʊˈpɛplə/
phai · no · pep · la
Plural:phainopeplas
JUMP TO:

phainopepla Lexical Profile

• 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

pfft
phablet
phacelia
phainopepla
phalaenopsis
phalanx
phalarope

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 Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/phainopepla
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.