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Definition of riflebird

riflebird

/ˈraɪ.fəlˌbɝːd/
ri · fle · bird
Plural:riflebirds
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riflebird Lexical Profile

riflebird Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Australian Any of several species of birds of paradise in the genus Ptiloris, native to the rainforests of Australia and New Guinea, characterized by the male's velvety black plumage and brilliant iridescent patches.

Example

"During its elaborate courtship display, the male Victoria's riflebird throws its rounded wings upward to form a dramatic black oval silhouette."

• Nearby Words

ridley sea turtle
ridley turtle
rifle
riflebird
rig
riga
rigatoni

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 19th century by English settlers in Australia. The male bird's velvety black plumage and iridescent green-blue patches were thought to resemble the distinctive dark green uniforms of the British Army's Rifle Brigade.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Riflebird. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 20, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/riflebird
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