merle

/mə:l/

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The word "merle" is a noun and refers to a type of bird known as the black European thrush. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand it better:

Basic Definition:

• Merle: A common black bird in Europe, scientifically known as the Turdus merula. It is often recognized for its black feathers and yellow eye-ring.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "merle" when talking about birds, especially in the context of nature or wildlife. It’s not a word you would use in everyday conversation unless you are discussing birds or nature.

Example Sentence:

• "I saw a beautiful merle singing in the park this morning."

Advanced Usage:

• In literature or more advanced discussions about ornithology (the study of birds), "merle" might be used to describe the bird’s behavior, habitat, or role in the ecosystem.

Word Variants:

• There aren’t many direct variants of "merle," but it can be used in different forms such as:
  • Merlin (another bird, but not the same as merle)
  • Merled (describing color patterns in other contexts, not directly related)

Different Meanings:

• While "merle" primarily refers to the black thrush, it can also be a term in dog breeding to describe a coat pattern that has patches of color, often seen in breeds like the Australian Shepherd. However, this usage is less common.

Synonyms:

• There aren’t direct synonyms for "merle" as it is a specific type of bird, but you could refer to it as a "blackbird" in a broader sense, though "blackbird" can refer to various species.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "merle." However, you might come across phrases about birds in general, such as "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush," which means it’s better to have a sure thing than to risk it for more.

Summary:

Remember, "merle" specifically refers to a type of bird. Use it when discussing birds, especially in European contexts.

Academic

Noun

1. common black European thrush

Synonyms

• blackbird
• merl
• ouzel
• ousel
• European blackbird
• Turdus merula