cockatiel

noun

cock·​a·​tiel ˈkäk-ə-ˌtēl How to pronounce cockatiel (audio)
: a crested small gray Australian parrot (Nymphicus hollandicus of the family Cacatuidae) with a yellow head

Examples of cockatiel in a Sentence

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Baldwin said there are numerous types, with the African grays, macaws, cockatoos, cockatiels and budgies being the most common ones people get. — Krystal Nurse, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2025 The cockatiel, a few rabbits and the dog are with them in San Diego. — Corina Knoll, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Dutch kaketielje, from Portuguese cacatilha, from cacatua cockatoo

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cockatiel was in 1839

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Cite this Entry

“Cockatiel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cockatiel. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cockatiel

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