francolin

noun

fran·​co·​lin ˈfraŋ-k(ə-)lən How to pronounce francolin (audio)
: any of a genus (Francolinus) of partridges of chiefly southern Asia and Africa

Examples of francolin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sometimes referred to as the Gaboon adder, this snake preys on a variety of small to medium-sized animals, including rodents like rats, birds such as francolins, and small mammals like rabbits and mongooses. Scott Travers, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2024 Eoff and Lee showed me what the 'ohana built in the ensuing years, taking me through rows of taro plants and ipu squash vines in the canoe garden while little brown francolin birds scattered at our advance. Soleil Ho, GQ, 20 Apr. 2018 Instead, the forests are filled with another immigrant, Erckel’s francolin—a ground bird from Africa. Brendan Borrell, Smithsonian, 28 Feb. 2018

Word History

Etymology

French, from Italian francolino

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of francolin was in 1594

Dictionary Entries Near francolin

Cite this Entry

“Francolin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/francolin. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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