crossbill

noun

cross·​bill ˈkrȯs-ˌbil How to pronounce crossbill (audio)
: any of a genus (Loxia of the family Fringillidae) of finches with curved mandibles that cross each other

Examples of crossbill 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.
During a hike through Robinsons Island, visitors can spot boreal chickadees, red crossbills and yellow warblers flitting along the branches, while the refuge’s many beaches are perfect for spotting shorebirds like the willet and greater yellowlegs. Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025 Modest numbers of red crossbills at the Montague Sandplains Wildlife Management Area in Montague where at least 33 were tallied. BostonGlobe.com, 19 Aug. 2023 At Birch Hill Wildlife Management Area in Winchendon three acadian flycatchers and 28 red crossbills were counted, and five evening grosbeaks were present in Royalston. BostonGlobe.com, 19 Aug. 2023 Worcester County: Four sandhill cranes on Hall Road in Hardwick and eight red crossbills at gate 43 at Quabbin Reservoir in Hardwick. BostonGlobe.com, 19 Aug. 2023 See All Example Sentences for crossbill

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1672, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crossbill was circa 1672

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Cite this Entry

“Crossbill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crossbill. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

crossbill

noun
cross·​bill -ˌbil How to pronounce crossbill (audio)
: any of a genus of finches with the upper and lower parts of the bill curved so that they cross each other when the bill is closed

Legal Definition

cross bill

see bill sense 3a

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