grackle

noun

grack·​le ˈgra-kəl How to pronounce grackle (audio)
1
: any of a genus (Quiscalus of the family Icteridae) of large American blackbirds having iridescent black plumage
2
: any of various Asian starlings (such as the hill mynahs)

Examples of grackle 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.
Common grackle: May appear dark and scary from afar, but a closer look reveals their beauty Don't let the common grackle's mean-looking yellow eyes distract you from its beauty. Ramon Padilla, USA TODAY, 23 Oct. 2024 The common grackle and many shimmering hummingbirds display iridescence like the way a prism splits light into a rainbow. Karina Zaiets, USA TODAY, 27 Apr. 2024 Early infections in Texas were linked to dead wild birds (pigeons, blackbirds, and grackles) found on dairy farms. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 22 Apr. 2024 Postmortem tests of grackles, blackbirds, and other birds found dead on dairy farms detected H5N1, but that didn't turn the tide. Amy Maxmen | Kff Health News, ABC News, 24 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for grackle 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Gracula, genus name, alteration of Latin graculus jackdaw

First Known Use

1772, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of grackle was in 1772

Dictionary Entries Near grackle

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

grackle

noun
grack·​le ˈgrak-əl How to pronounce grackle (audio)
: any of several rather large American blackbirds with glossy mostly black feathers

More from Merriam-Webster on grackle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!