merl
word
Definition
'Merl' can refer to a type of bird called the blackbird, or to merlon, which is the solid part of a battlement on a castle wall.
Usage & Nuances
'Merl' is rare and old-fashioned in modern English; 'blackbird' is the usual bird name, and 'merlon' is standard for castle architecture. Mostly found in poetry or historical texts.
Spanish: mirlo (ave) - merlón (arquitectura)Portuguese (BR): melro (ave) - merlão (arquitetura)Portuguese (PT): melro (ave) - merlão (arquitetura)Chinese (Simplified): 乌鸫 - 垛齿Chinese (Traditional): 烏鶇 - 垛齒Hindi: ब्लैकबर्ड (पक्षी) - मेर्लॉन (किला वास्तुकला)Arabic: شحيم (طائر) - شرافة (معمار)
Example Sentences
The merl sang in the garden every morning.
basic
The castle wall had a merl at regular intervals.
basic
He read a poem about a merl in springtime.
basic
From the tower, the archer hid behind the merl to avoid enemy fire.
natural
Few people use the word merl today—you're more likely to hear 'blackbird'.
natural
As the sun set, a merl perched on the highest tree, singing its evening song.
natural