hornbill: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical (Zoology/Ornithology), Semi-Formal (Nature/Wildlife contexts)
Quick answer
What does “hornbill” mean?
A large tropical bird of the Bucerotidae family, known for its very large, curved, and often brightly coloured beak, which sometimes has a hollow structure called a casque on top.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large tropical bird of the Bucerotidae family, known for its very large, curved, and often brightly coloured beak, which sometimes has a hollow structure called a casque on top.
Used in names of various birds with large beaks, particularly in the Bucerotidae family. In a broader context, may be referenced metaphorically for its distinctive shape or as a symbol of certain tropical ecosystems.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Evokes imagery of tropical rainforests, exotic wildlife, and conservation. Neutral in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, encountered primarily in nature documentaries, wildlife texts, and travel writing about Africa or Asia.
Grammar
How to Use “hornbill” in a Sentence
see a hornbillThe hornbill is a bird that...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hornbill” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The hornbill population is under threat.
- We went on a hornbill-spotting tour.
American English
- The hornbill population is under threat.
- We went on a hornbill-spotting tour.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Potentially in ecotourism or wildlife conservation project names (e.g., 'The Hornbill Eco-Lodge').
Academic
Used in biological, zoological, ornithological, and conservation literature.
Everyday
Used when discussing exotic wildlife, nature documentaries, or travel experiences in tropical regions.
Technical
Standard term in ornithology for birds of the family Bucerotidae. Specific species names are common.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hornbill”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hornbill”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hornbill”
- Incorrect plural: 'hornbills' (correct).
- Mispronunciation: /hɔːrnˈbɪl/ (incorrect stress) instead of /ˈhɔːrnbɪl/ (stress on first syllable).
- Confusing it with a toucan (different biological family).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both have large beaks, they are from different biological families and are found on different continents. Hornbills (Bucerotidae) are native to Africa and Asia, while toucans (Ramphastidae) are native to Central and South America.
Hornbills are omnivores. Their diet typically consists of fruit, insects, small reptiles, and other small animals.
Primary threats include habitat loss due to deforestation and poaching. Some species, like the helmeted hornbill, are hunted for their solid casques, which are carved like ivory.
The casque is a hollow or solid helmet-like structure on top of the upper beak of many hornbill species. Its function varies; it may be used for resonance in calls, as a visual signal, or for fighting.
A large tropical bird of the Bucerotidae family, known for its very large, curved, and often brightly coloured beak, which sometimes has a hollow structure called a casque on top.
Hornbill is usually technical (zoology/ornithology), semi-formal (nature/wildlife contexts) in register.
Hornbill: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɔːnbɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɔːrnbɪl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a bird with a horn-shaped bill.
Practice
Quiz
What is a defining physical characteristic of a hornbill?