ENGLISH
REFERENCE

mockingbird

n.
C2 Proficiency US //ˈmɑkɪŋˌbɝd// UK //mˈɒkɪŋbˌɜːd// mock·ing·bird Archaic

n. a type of bird known for its beautiful singing. In some stories, this bird is also famous for copying the sounds of other animals and people.

n. a species of passerine bird, specifically the Northern Mockingbird, known for its complex and varied vocalizations. Often used in literature to symbolize beauty, freedom, or the ability to imitate others.


SIMPLE

The mockingbird sings beautifully in the morning.

CONTEXTUAL

The mockingbird perched on the fence and began to mimic the calls of the nearby woodpecker.

COMPLEX

In the novel, the mockingbird serves as a powerful metaphor for innocence, representing the tragic loss of a voice that was once a source of joy and inspiration for the community.

Synonyms
Origin

From mocking + bird, from the ability of the birds to mimic sounds and, in some cases, hum as a wake-up call.

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