noun
phoebe
FEE-bee
noun
1
A small grayish flycatcher bird found in North America, known for its distinctive call.
"A phoebe perched on the fence post, flicking its tail."
name
1
A female given name of Greek origin, meaning "bright" or "shining."
"Her grandmother was also named Phoebe."
How to Use Phoebe
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a small North American bird, or a common girl's name.
Word Forms
phoebes plural
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A _____ perched on the fence post, flicking its tail.
Etymology
The bird's name is imitative of its call, likely influenced by the given name Phoebe, which comes from Ancient Greek phoibe, "bright, shining one" — a title once linked to the moon goddess Selene.