Definition

A type of large bird found in tropical regions, known for its big, curved bill and often colorful plumage.

Example

The hornbill flew gracefully through the trees, its large bill catching the sunlight.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a hornbill in the wild?

No, I haven't! What do they look like?

They have really large bills and are quite colorful.

That sounds amazing! I would love to see one someday.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hornbill → The word 'hornbill' is formed from 'horn' (from Old English 'horn', meaning a hard, pointed projection) and 'bill' (from Old English 'billa', meaning beak). The term describes a bird with a prominent, horn-like structure on its bill.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'horn' as a hard projection and a 'bill' as a beak — together, they describe a bird with a distinctive horn-like beak.

Visually Confused Words