grebe: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Specialist/Biological, occasionally found in descriptive nature writing.
Quick answer
What does “grebe” mean?
An aquatic diving bird with a pointed bill, lobed toes, and a short tail, often with ornate head plumage during breeding season.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An aquatic diving bird with a pointed bill, lobed toes, and a short tail, often with ornate head plumage during breeding season.
A term for a family of water birds (Podicipedidae), often symbolizing freshwater wetlands and specialized diving adaptation. Can be used ornithologically to represent a specific ecological niche.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is identical. In North America, some species are commonly called 'loons', but 'grebe' remains the standard family name. The British term 'dabchick' refers specifically to the Little Grebe.
Connotations
Neutral ornithological term. May evoke images of specific regional birds (e.g., Great Crested Grebe is well-known in the UK).
Frequency
Slightly more familiar in the UK due to prominence of species like the Great Crested Grebe; in the US, more specialist except in birdwatching contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “grebe” in a Sentence
The [adjective] grebe [verb]...A grebe is a type of bird that...Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in biological, zoological, and environmental science papers discussing wetland ecology, avian biology, or conservation.
Everyday
Rare, except among birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, or in regions where they are common.
Technical
Standard term in ornithology, field guides, and conservation literature.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “grebe”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “grebe”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “grebe”
- Mispronouncing as /ɡreɪb/ (like 'grave').
- Confusing with cormorants or ducks.
- Using plural 'grebes' (correct) vs. 'grebe' for multiple birds.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Grebes belong to a separate family (Podicipedidae). They have lobed toes, not webbed feet, and their legs are positioned far back on the body, making them excellent divers but clumsy on land.
Yes, most grebe species are capable of flight, though they require a long running takeoff across water and are more often seen swimming or diving.
On freshwater lakes, reservoirs, and slow-moving rivers with ample vegetation. They are shy birds, so binoculars are recommended.
Dabchick is a colloquial British name for the Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis), the smallest and most common grebe species in the UK.
An aquatic diving bird with a pointed bill, lobed toes, and a short tail, often with ornate head plumage during breeding season.
Grebe is usually specialist/biological, occasionally found in descriptive nature writing. in register.
Grebe: in British English it is pronounced /ɡriːb/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡrib/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'GREEN' near the REEDs (where it lives) + 'B' for Bird: GREeBE.
Conceptual Metaphor
None common. Possibly 'a grebe's life' to denote a niche, specialised, or aquatic-focused existence.
Practice
Quiz
What is a defining characteristic of a grebe?