green heron

noun

: a small yellow-legged American heron (Butorides virescens synonym B. striatus) with a greenish back and chestnut neck and chest

called also green-backed heron

Examples of green heron 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.
It’s become an urban oasis for birds, like blue and green herons, turtles and other urban wildlife. — Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 4 Dec. 2024 There is also habitat to support great blue herons, green herons, egrets, kingfishers and many different songbirds. — Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 28 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of green heron was in 1785

Rhymes for green heron

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Browse Nearby Words

greenheart
green heron
greenhew
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Cite this Entry

“Green heron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/green%20heron. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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