American bittern

noun

: a large North American marsh bird (Botaurus lentiginosus) that is related to the herons and has a brown body, dark gray outer wings, and a black stripe down each side of the neck

called also stake driver, thunder pumper

Word History

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of American bittern was in 1813

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Dictionary Entries Near American bittern

American bison

American bittern

American black bear

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“American bittern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/American%20bittern. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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