little grebe: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowtechnical/ornithological; informal (birdwatching)
Quick answer
What does “little grebe” mean?
A very small, diving waterbird found in Europe, Asia, and Africa, known for its distinctive sharp call and ability to sink slowly into the water.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A very small, diving waterbird found in Europe, Asia, and Africa, known for its distinctive sharp call and ability to sink slowly into the water.
The common name for the species Tachybaptus ruficollis, often referred to regionally as the dabchick.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in British English but is largely absent from general American usage, as the species is not native to the Americas.
Connotations
In the UK, it may evoke familiarity among birdwatchers; in the US, it is an exotic, textbook term for a non-native bird.
Frequency
Common in UK birding guides and literature; very rare in general US English.
Grammar
How to Use “little grebe” in a Sentence
The little grebe [verbs] (e.g., dives, calls).We observed [number] little grebes.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “little grebe” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The birders were grebe-watching.
- We grebed all morning by the lake.
American English
- We went looking for grebes.
- They grebe-spotted along the river.
adverb
British English
- It swam grebe-like across the pond.
American English
- It dove grebe-style into the water.
adjective
British English
- The grebe population is thriving.
- It was a grebe-rich environment.
American English
- We visited a grebe habitat.
- The guide pointed out grebe behaviour.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in ornithology, ecology, and zoology papers.
Everyday
Used by birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
Technical
Standard species name in field guides and scientific contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “little grebe”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “little grebe”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “little grebe”
- Using 'little grebe' as a descriptive phrase instead of a proper noun (e.g., 'I saw a little grebe' vs. 'I saw a Little Grebe').
- Capitalising inconsistently in writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'dabchick' is a common regional name for the little grebe, particularly in the UK.
No, the little grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) is not native to the Americas. Similar small grebes in the US belong to different species.
The word 'grebe' comes from the French 'grèbe', of unknown origin, used for this type of diving bird.
Key identifiers are its very small size, rounded shape, often fluffed-up rear, dark brown plumage (duller in winter), and a distinctive sharp, whinnying call.
A very small, diving waterbird found in Europe, Asia, and Africa, known for its distinctive sharp call and ability to sink slowly into the water.
Little grebe is usually technical/ornithological; informal (birdwatching) in register.
Little grebe: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɪt(ə)l ɡriːb/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɪt(ə)l ɡrib/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No idioms”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
"The LITTLE GREBE is so wee, it dives beneath the water with a GLEE."
Conceptual Metaphor
Not applicable; a specific taxonomic term.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for using the term 'little grebe'?