kingfisher

IPA/ˈkɪŋfɪʃə(r)/
KK[kˈɪŋfˌɪʃɚ]IPA/ˈkɪŋfɪʃər/

kingfisher — noun

  • kingfishersingular
  • kingfishersplural

1. a small bird with bright blue and green feathers that lives near water and catch

1.nounB1
Definition

a small bird with bright blue and green feathers that lives near water and catches fish by diving into the river or lake with its long, thin beak

Example

A kingfisher sat on a branch above the stream, watching the water for fish.

collocation: sit on a branch above [water]

The children spotted a bright blue kingfisher as they walked along the riverbank.

collocation: spot a kingfisher along [riverbank]

Common collocations
  • brightly coloured kingfisher
  • kingfisher dives
  • spot a kingfisher
  • kingfisher perched
  • kingfisher feathers
  • kingfisher nest

Usage Note

Countable noun. Frequently used with 'a' or 'the' when referring to a specific bird. Often appears in nature‑related contexts such as birdwatching, wildlife documentaries, or descriptions of river and lake habitats.

Common Mistakes

A kingfisher is a bird can catch fish very fast.
A kingfisher is a bird that can catch fish very fast.
When describing the bird's ability, you need a relative pronoun (that/which) after 'bird'.

Etymology

Middle EnglishEnglish

The word 'kingfisher' comes from Middle English 'kynges fisher', meaning 'king's fisherman'. The bird was named for its striking, colourful feathers, which were considered fit for a king. The compound combines 'king' (ruler) and 'fisher' (one who catches fish), referring to the bird's fish-eating habit.

First known use

1611

1611, in the meaning defined above