corncrake: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, literary, technical (ornithology)
Quick answer
What does “corncrake” mean?
A secretive Eurasian bird with a distinctive, rasping call, found in tall grasslands and meadows.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A secretive Eurasian bird with a distinctive, rasping call, found in tall grasslands and meadows.
Often used as a symbol of declining farmland wildlife or a nostalgic evocation of rural summer sounds. Its name is occasionally used metaphorically for something that is rare, hidden, or difficult to detect.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is identical in spelling and core meaning. The bird is not native to North America, so American familiarity is lower and typically only among birdwatchers or in literary contexts.
Connotations
In UK/Ireland, it carries stronger connotations of conservation concern and rural heritage. In the US, it is an exotic or literary reference.
Frequency
More frequent in UK/Irish English due to the bird's presence and conservation campaigns. Rare in general American English.
Grammar
How to Use “corncrake” in a Sentence
The corncrake [VERB: calls, lives, nests, hides] in the field.We [VERB: heard, spotted, protected] a corncrake.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “corncrake” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The corncrake population has shown a slight recovery.
- He let out a corncrake-like screech.
American English
- The corncrake habitat project is underway.
- She described the noise as corncrake-harsh.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Unused.
Academic
Used in ecology, conservation biology, and ornithology papers discussing habitat loss or species recovery.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used when discussing nature, birdwatching, or rural experiences.
Technical
Specific term in ornithology for the species *Crex crex*.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “corncrake”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “corncrake”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “corncrake”
- Misspelling as 'corncake'. Incorrectly assuming it is common in North America. Using it as a general term for any bird in a field.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, despite the name similarity. Corncrakes are rails (family Rallidae), while cranes are in a different family (Gruidae).
No, they are extremely secretive and prefer to hide in dense vegetation. They are far more often heard than seen.
No, 'corncrake' is exclusively a noun. The sound it makes is described as 'craking' or 'calling'.
It became a flagship species for grassland conservation in Europe due to its dramatic population decline from early mechanised mowing, which destroyed nests.
A secretive Eurasian bird with a distinctive, rasping call, found in tall grasslands and meadows.
Corncrake is usually formal, literary, technical (ornithology) in register.
Corncrake: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːnkreɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːrnkreɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(as) elusive as a corncrake”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CORN' fields and a bird that 'CRAKES' (makes a harsh sound). It's a bird that crakes in the corn.
Conceptual Metaphor
HIDDENNESS IS A CORNCRAKE ("His true feelings were as elusive as a corncrake"). RARITY/DECLINE IS A CORNCRAKE ("Traditional crafts are becoming the corncrakes of the modern world").
Practice
Quiz
What is a corncrake best known for?