# ibis

/ˈaɪbəs/ (US) · /ˈaɪbɪs/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ibis
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

a large bird with a long, curved beak and long legs. You often see them in wet areas like marshes or near water.

For teachers: any of several large, long-legged wading birds of the family Threskiornithidae, characterized by a long, curved bill and a distinctive, often bare, facial skin.

## Examples

- The ibis stands in the shallow water looking for food.
- Photographers often travel to the wetlands to capture images of the black-headed ibis during its breeding season.
- The ancient Egyptians revered the ibis as a sacred symbol of the god Thoth, associating its long beak with the pen used for writing.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.