English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word cuckoo in English

What does cuckoo mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

cuckoo

US /ˈkʊk.uː/
UK /ˈkʊk.uː/
"cuckoo" picture

Noun

1.

a medium-sized, long-tailed bird, typically with a grey or brown back and barred white underparts, noted for its characteristic two-note call and its habit of laying eggs in the nests of other birds.

Example:
•
The sound of the cuckoo signaled the arrival of spring.
•
The female cuckoo lays her eggs in other birds' nests.
2.

a person who is foolish or insane.

Example:
•
He's gone completely cuckoo, talking to himself all day.
•
Only a cuckoo would try to climb that mountain without equipment.
Synonym:
insanemadcrazyfoolishidiotic

Adjective

1.

crazy; foolish.

Example:
•
Are you completely cuckoo to think that's a good idea?
•
His ideas are a bit cuckoo, but sometimes they work.
Synonym:
crazymadinsanefoolishabsurd
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