great crested grebe: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Technical/Niche)Formal, Technical (Ornithology), Naturalist
Quick answer
What does “great crested grebe” mean?
A medium-to-large waterbird, Podiceps cristatus, known for its elaborate courtship displays, distinctive black crests, and long neck.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A medium-to-large waterbird, Podiceps cristatus, known for its elaborate courtship displays, distinctive black crests, and long neck.
A species of diving bird found in freshwater lakes across Europe and parts of Asia, notable for its elegant appearance on water, its chicks' striped plumage, and its role as an indicator of wetland health.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The species is native to both regions, but the term is far more common in British English due to the bird's prevalence in the UK. In American English, it's a specialist term known mainly to birdwatchers, as the species is less widespread in North America.
Connotations
UK: Familiar symbol of freshwater wildlife, often associated with nature reserves. US: Exotic or specialised birding term.
Frequency
Much higher frequency in UK nature writing, broadcasting, and general awareness.
Grammar
How to Use “great crested grebe” in a Sentence
The [ADJECTIVE] great crested grebe [VERBed].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “great crested grebe” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We went to the reservoir to great crested grebe-watch.
adjective
British English
- The great crested grebe habitat is carefully managed.
American English
- The great crested grebe survey yielded few sightings.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in biological, zoological, and environmental science papers.
Everyday
Used by birdwatchers, naturalists, and in general conversation about UK wildlife.
Technical
Standard term in ornithology, field guides, and conservation literature.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “great crested grebe”
- Mispronouncing 'grebe' as /ɡriːb/ like 'grebe' (correct) vs. /ɡreb/. Plural: 'great crested grebes' (not 'grebe').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, grebes are a separate family (Podicipedidae) from ducks (Anatidae), though both are waterbirds.
They have distinctive black-and-white striped plumage and often ride on their parents' backs for safety.
On large, vegetated freshwater lakes, reservoirs, and gravel pits, particularly in nature reserves like the RSPB's reserves.
It is pronounced /ɡriːb/, to rhyme with 'glebe'.
A medium-to-large waterbird, Podiceps cristatus, known for its elaborate courtship displays, distinctive black crests, and long neck.
Great crested grebe is usually formal, technical (ornithology), naturalist in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
GREAT (large) CRESTED (has a fancy head crest) GREBE (rhymes with 'glebe' – a type of land, but here it's a water bird). Think: 'The Great Crested Grebe has a great crest on its head.'
Conceptual Metaphor
AN ELEGANT PERFORMER (due to its elaborate, dance-like courtship rituals).
Practice
Quiz
The 'crested' part of 'great crested grebe' refers to what?