Dictionary

coot

noun \ˈküt\

: a type of black and gray bird that lives on or near the water

: a strange and usually old man

Full Definition of COOT

1
:  any of various slaty-black birds (genus Fulica) of the rail family that somewhat resemble ducks and have lobed toes and the upper mandible prolonged on the forehead as a horny frontal shield
2
:  any of several North American scoters
3
:  a harmless simple person; broadly :  fellow 4c
ADVERTISEMENT

Origin of COOT

Middle English coote; akin to Dutch koet coot
First Known Use: 15th century

Other Birds Terms

aerie, bunting, clutch, covey, hackle, ratite, rictus, ruff, skein, zygodactyl
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears