Search Dictionary
Definition of phalarope

phalarope

/ˈfæləˌroʊp/
phal · a · rope
Plural:phalaropes
JUMP TO:

phalarope Lexical Profile

phalarope Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any of three species of small, slender shorebirds in the genus Phalaropus, native to tundra and aquatic environments of the Northern Hemisphere, known for their lobed toes, unique spinning behavior while foraging in water, and reversed sex roles.

Example

"Through their binoculars, the ornithologists observed a female red-necked phalarope spinning rapidly in the shallow pond to stir up aquatic insects."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for phalarope

• Nearby Words

phainopepla
phalaenopsis
phalanx
phalarope
phallic
phallus
phalocallis

Word Origin & Etymology

From French 'phalarope', via Modern Latin 'Phalaropus', derived from Ancient Greek 'phalaris' (coot) and 'pous' (foot), referring to the bird's lobed toes which resemble those of a coot.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Phalarope. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/phalarope
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.