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Definition of spadebill

spadebill

/ˈspeɪd.bɪl/
spade · bill
Plural:spadebills
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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

soy sauce
soybean
spade
spadebill
spadefish
spaghetti
spaghetti squash

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.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Spadebill. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 13, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/spadebill
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