Search Dictionary
Definition of spadebill

spadebill

/ˈspeɪd.bɪl/
spade · bill
Plural:spadebills
JUMP TO:

spadebill Lexical Profile

• noun

1

Any of several small, insectivorous tyrant flycatchers of the genus Platyrinchus, native to the Neotropical forests of Central and South America, characterized by an unusually broad, flat beak.

Example

"While birdwatching in the dense Costa Rican rainforest, the guide managed to spot a golden-crowned spadebill perched quietly in the dark understory."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for spadebill

• Nearby Words

spaciousness
spackle
spade
spadebill
spadefish
spadeful
spades

Word Origin & Etymology

A compound of 'spade' and 'bill', coined to describe the unusually broad and flattened shape of the bird's beak, which resembles a miniature spade or shovel.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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