guacharo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Rare / SpecialistZoological / Technical / Regional
Quick answer
What does “guacharo” mean?
A nocturnal bird of South and Central America.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A nocturnal bird of South and Central America; the oilbird (Steatornis caripensis).
Specifically refers to a cave-dwelling, fruit-eating bird that uses echolocation, notable for its oily young which were historically rendered for lamp oil.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally rare in both varieties. 'Oilbird' is the more common standard term in both. 'Guacharo' may appear slightly more frequently in American English due to geographical proximity to the bird's habitat.
Connotations
Carries connotations of scientific specificity, exoticism, or 19th-century natural history writing.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general use. Appears primarily in specialized texts, birdwatching guides, or historical accounts.
Grammar
How to Use “guacharo” in a Sentence
The guacharo (lives/nests/hunts) in caves.Guacharos are known for their use of echolocation.The species *Steatornis caripensis* is commonly called the guacharo.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in zoology, biology, and ecological studies. Rare in humanities.
Everyday
Almost never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary context. Used in ornithology, speleology (cave studies), and natural history.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “guacharo”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “guacharo”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “guacharo”
- Misspelling: 'guacharo' (correct), not 'guacharo', 'guacharó', or 'guacharo'.
- Mispronunciation: The stress is on the first syllable (GUA-).
- Overgeneralisation: Using it for any nocturnal bird.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'guacharo' and 'oilbird' refer to the same species, *Steatornis caripensis*. 'Oilbird' is the more common English term.
It is borrowed from Spanish, itself likely from an indigenous South American language. The name was popularised by Alexander von Humboldt in the early 19th century.
It is highly unlikely to be understood by the general public. Use 'oilbird' or describe it as 'a cave-dwelling bird from South America'.
Its chicks accumulate a thick layer of fat, which indigenous peoples and early explorers historically rendered into a clear, odourless oil for lamps and cooking.
A nocturnal bird of South and Central America.
Guacharo is usually zoological / technical / regional in register.
Guacharo: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡwɑːtʃərəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡwɑːtʃəroʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'GUArd the CAve at night, CHA-ttering ROs' → GUACHARO is a cave-dwelling, chattering (echolocating) bird.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A - term is too specific and literal.
Practice
Quiz
What is a defining characteristic of the guacharo?