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Definition of waxwing

waxwing

/ˈwæks.wɪŋ/
wax · wing
Plural:waxwings
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waxwing Lexical Profile

waxwing Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any of a small group of songbirds in the genus Bombycilla, native to the northern forests of North America and Eurasia, characterized by exceptionally soft, silky plumage, a prominent head crest, and distinctive red, wax-like tips on their secondary wing feathers.

Example

"A large flock of cedar waxwings descended upon the rowan trees, quickly stripping them of all their winter berries."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for waxwing

• Rhymes for waxwing

• Nearby Words

waxahachie
waxbill
waxflower
waxwing
waycross
wayne
waynesboro

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the 18th century, formed as a compound of 'wax' and 'wing'. The bird was so named because of the distinctive bright red, droplet-like appendages on the tips of its secondary wing feathers, which closely resemble 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 Waxwing. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/waxwing
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