shrike
Syllabification: (shrike)
Pronunciation: /SHrīk/
Definition of shrike
noun
- a songbird with a strong sharply hooked bill, often impaling its prey of small birds, lizards, and insects on thorns. Also called butcherbird.
- Family Laniidae: several genera and numerous species, especially in Africa, e.g., the northern shrike (Lanius excubitor), of both Eurasia and North America
Origin:
mid 16th century: perhaps related to Old English scrīc 'thrush' and Middle Low German schrīk 'corncrake', of imitative origin
