cuckoo

cuck-oo · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A bird known for its distinctive two-note call and for laying eggs in other birds' nests.

  2. 2.

    Crazy or foolish.

  3. 3.

    The call of a cuckoo bird.

Forms

plural: cuckoos

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    cuckoo clock — a clock with a mechanical bird that emerges on the hour
  • •
    cuckoo in the nest — an unwelcome intruder
  • •
    cloud cuckoo land — a state of unrealistic fantasy

Related words

See also: bird, crazy

Etymology

From Old French "cucu," imitative of the bird's call. Related to Latin "cuculus."