Definition of LAPWING

lapwing

Meanings

Plural: lapwings

Noun

  • large crested Old World plover having wattles and spurs
  • Any of several medium-sized wading birds belonging to the subfamily Vanellinae, within family Charadriidae.
  • Any of several medium-sized wading birds belonging to the subfamily Vanellinae, within family Charadriidae.
  • The northern lapwing (Vanellus vanellus).
  • A silly man.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English lapwynge, lapwynke, lappewincke, lapwynche, lhapwynche, from Old English hlēapewince (“lapwing”), from Old English hlēapan (“to leap”) + wincian (“to wink, make a sign”), due to its manner of flight. Cognate with West Frisian ljip (“lapwing”).
The modern form is influenced by folk etymology to resemble English wing.

Synonyms

green plover, peewit, pewit

Scrabble Score: 13

lapwing is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
lapwing is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
lapwing is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 17

lapwing is a valid Words With Friends word