great egret

noun

: a large white heron (Ardea alba synonym Casmerodius albus) with a yellow bill and black legs and feet that occurs in New and Old World temperate and tropical regions

Examples of great egret 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.
Additionally, the American white ibis and great egret are common and especially numerous during the breeding season. — David Escribano, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2024 Speeding across the lake with the throttle pushed to the max proved exhilarating, but entering the Dora Canal provided a serene, shady respite from the open sun with towering cypress trees and plenty of birds to spot — including a limpkin, great blue herons, anhingas, great egrets and more. — Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 14 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of great egret was in 1785

Browse Nearby Words

great duckweed
great egret
greaten
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Cite this Entry

“Great egret.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/great%20egret. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

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