courlan: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Rare / TechnicalHighly Formal / Scientific / Zoological
Quick answer
What does “courlan” mean?
A wading bird, specifically the limpkin, characterized by a long bill and a distinctive wailing cry.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A wading bird, specifically the limpkin, characterized by a long bill and a distinctive wailing cry.
A rare ornithological term referring to a specific bird of the genus Aramus. It is often used as a standard name in the bird's range, such as in parts of the Caribbean.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Neither British nor American English commonly uses this term in everyday speech. In scientific contexts, it is used internationally.
Connotations
No special connotations; purely denotative and technical.
Frequency
Vanishingly rare in both varieties. More likely to be encountered in specialist literature than in speech.
Grammar
How to Use “courlan” in a Sentence
The courlan [verb of observation: was seen, was spotted, feeds]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used exclusively in ornithological and biological texts.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
The standard common name for the species Aramus guarauna in certain regions and taxonomic lists.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “courlan”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “courlan”
- Misspelling as 'courland' (a region in Latvia) or 'courian'.
- Using it as a general term for any wading bird.
- Assuming it is a common word.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare, technical term used primarily in ornithology and regional field guides.
The much more common name is 'limpkin'.
You might find it in specialised bird books, scientific papers on Aramus guarauna, or in wildlife guides for the Caribbean and South America.
No, it is exclusively a noun referring to the specific bird species.
A wading bird, specifically the limpkin, characterized by a long bill and a distinctive wailing cry.
Courlan is usually highly formal / scientific / zoological in register.
Courlan: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkʊələn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkʊrlən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
COURLAN sounds like 'curlew' + 'heron'—two other long-billed, wading birds.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (too technical for common metaphorical use).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'courlan'?