merle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialized (Ornithology, Canine Genetics), Literary/Archaic, Regional (Southern US as a name)
Quick answer
What does “merle” mean?
A common name for the European blackbird (Turdus merula), especially the male, which is black with a yellow beak. Also refers to a type of mottled or speckled coloration in dogs, particularly herding breeds like the Australian Shepherd.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A common name for the European blackbird (Turdus merula), especially the male, which is black with a yellow beak. Also refers to a type of mottled or speckled coloration in dogs, particularly herding breeds like the Australian Shepherd.
In heraldry, 'merle' can refer to a blackbird used as a charge. In dog breeding, it describes a specific genetic pattern causing patches of diluted pigment, often associated with blue or odd-colored eyes. The term is also used as a given name, particularly in the southern United States.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'merle' is primarily known as a poetic/literary or regional word for the blackbird. In the US, the ornithological sense is very rare; the dominant usage is the canine coat pattern. The given name 'Merle' has stronger historical usage in the US, particularly associated with country music (e.g., Merle Haggard).
Connotations
UK: rustic, poetic, possibly archaic. US (canine): technical, specific to dog fanciers. US (name): often Southern, mid-20th century, sometimes perceived as dated.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general corpora. Its use spikes in specialized texts about dogs or in historical/regional literature.
Grammar
How to Use “merle” in a Sentence
The [breed] is a merle.She owns a [blue/red] merle.The merle [gene/pattern] is dominant.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “merle” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The old Scots poem spoke of the merle singing at dawn.
- A merle alighted on the garden wall.
American English
- We are looking for a blue merle Aussie puppy.
- The merle in this litter has one blue eye.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in zoology, genetics, and literary studies.
Everyday
Rare. Understood mainly by dog enthusiasts or in regions where it is a personal name.
Technical
Standard term in canine genetics and breeding for a specific coat color pattern.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “merle”
- Misspelling as 'murl' or 'merl'.
- Using 'merle' to describe any spotted animal.
- Pronouncing it as /mɜːrˈleɪ/ (like 'Merlot').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, merle is not a breed. It is a coat colour pattern found in several dog breeds, such as the Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, and Shetland Sheepdog.
No, this is a confusion of terms. The European blackbird (Turdus merula) is the bird called a 'merle'. The dog coat pattern is named after the bird's dark, potentially mottled appearance, but a blackbird itself is not described as having a 'merle' pattern.
A double merle (or homozygous merle) is a dog that inherits the merle gene from both parents. This often results in a predominantly white coat and is associated with a high risk of serious health problems, including deafness and blindness.
Yes, it derives from the same root. It was originally a nickname given to someone with a dark complexion or dark hair, akin to 'blackbird', and later became a given name.
A common name for the European blackbird (Turdus merula), especially the male, which is black with a yellow beak. Also refers to a type of mottled or speckled coloration in dogs, particularly herding breeds like the Australian Shepherd.
Merle is usually specialized (ornithology, canine genetics), literary/archaic, regional (southern us as a name) in register.
Merle: in British English it is pronounced /mɜːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /mɜːrl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in common use. Potential archaic: 'As black as a merle'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Merle' Haggard's music being as distinctive as the mottled coat of a merle dog.
Conceptual Metaphor
PATTERN IS A MERLE (in dog breeding): Using 'merle' as the source domain for a specific, recognized type of visual patterning.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'merle' most commonly used in modern American English?