Definition

A figure made to look like a person, placed in fields to keep birds away from crops.

Example

The farmer put up a scarecrow to protect his corn from the birds.

Conversation

Have you seen the new scarecrow in the community garden?

Yeah, it's pretty funny looking!

I wonder if it actually works to keep the birds away.

I hope so! Otherwise, it’s just a funny scarecrow in the middle of the crops.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Scarecrow → The word is formed from "scare" (from Old English *scearu*, meaning to frighten or cause fear) and "crow" (from Old English *cū*, meaning the bird). A scarecrow is an object designed to frighten crows away from crops.

Memory Tip

Imagine a figure that 'frightens' ('scare') birds like 'crows' — that's what a scarecrow does.

Visually Confused Words