motacilla

noun

mo·​ta·​cil·​la
ˌmōtəˈsilə
1
capitalized : a genus (the type of the family Motacillidae) of oscine birds comprising the wagtails
2
plural -s : any bird of the genus Motacilla

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin motacilla wagtail

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near motacilla

Cite this Entry

“Motacilla.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motacilla. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!