Meaning & use
bitterns
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“bitterns” is a form of “bittern”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
nounpluralbiology
Plural of bittern: shy, brown, streaky wading birds of the heron family that live hidden in reed beds and make a deep booming call.
Grammar: Plural form; one bird is a bittern.
Patterns
- bitterns in the reeds
Bitterns are so well camouflaged that birdwatchers often only hear them.
The reserve is one of the few places where bitterns breed.
We listened to the booming of the bitterns at dusk.
Common combinations
- booming bitterns
- The booming bitterns could be heard across the marsh.
- breeding bitterns
- Breeding bitterns need large reed beds.
- spot bitterns
- It is hard to spot bitterns among the reeds.
- bitterns and herons
- Bitterns and herons both hunt in shallow water.
Synonyms and how they differ
- herons
- Herons are a wider group of wading birds, while bitterns are shorter, stockier and far more secretive.
- marsh birds
- Marsh birds is a general description of any bird living in marshes, while bitterns are a specific type.
- waders
- Waders cover many long-legged shore birds, of which bitterns are one unusual kind.
Word family
Commonly confused: bitterns or bitters?
bitterns vs bitters
Bitters are a bitter-tasting flavoring for cocktails, not birds.
Practice
Hidden in the reeds, the ____ gave a deep booming call at dawn.
Choose one answer.
Bitterns are marsh birds famous for their booming call. Pelicans, swans and penguins do not hide in reed beds in this way.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “bitterns”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.