Definition

A type of bird known for its crested head and grayish-brown feathers, often found in North America and Eurasia, with distinctive red tips on its wing feathers.

Example

The waxwing perched on the branch, its colorful feathers shining in the sunlight.

Conversation

Did you see that beautiful bird outside?

Oh, you mean the waxwing? It's stunning!

I've never seen one before; it had such vibrant colors.

Yeah, they're really unique with those red tips on their wings.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Waxwing → The word 'waxwing' is formed from 'wax' (from Old English 'wæx', meaning a substance that is pliable and can be molded) and 'wing' (from Old English 'wenge', meaning a limb used for flying). The term describes a bird known for its waxy-tipped wing feathers.

Memory Tip

Think of the pliable 'wax' that gives the bird its name, combined with 'wing' to remember that a waxwing is a bird with distinctive waxy wing tips.

Visually Confused Words