Search Dictionary
Definition of waxbill
waxbill
/ˈwæks.bɪl/
wax · bill
Plural:waxbills
waxbill Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
11
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
waxbill Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
Any of various small, active, seed-eating songbirds native primarily to Sub-Saharan Africa (family Estrildidae), distinguished by a bright, conical beak resembling red sealing wax, and commonly kept as aviary birds.
Example
"The ornithologist documented a flock of common waxbills foraging quietly among the tall savannah grasses."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for waxbill• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the 18th century from 'wax' + 'bill', referring to the bird's distinctive, brightly colored beak which resembles traditional red sealing wax.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Waxbill. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/waxbill