What does magpie mean?
A magpie is a striking, long-tailed bird in the crow family, best known for its black-and-white plumage, intelligence, and loud, varied calls. In North America, the word usually refers to the black-billed magpie; in British English, it commonly denotes the Eurasian magpie, though related corvids may also be discussed under the broader name. Magpies are opportunistic and curious, and their reputation for collecting shiny objects has made them familiar figures in folklore and popular culture, including the phrase magpie pie. The word can also form part of the name magpie moth, referring to a black-and-white moth with distinctive markings. In ordinary conversation, magpie is most often used for the bird rather than the insect, and the term is generally neutral, though it sometimes carries associations of cleverness, boldness, or superstitious folklore.
nounA magpie is a long-tailed member of the crow family, usually glossy black and white, noted for its intelligence, varied calls, and habit of collecting bright objects. The name also refers to the magpie moth, a black-and-white moth with distinctive pale markings.
- A long-tailed black-and-white bird in the crow family, especially the black-billed magpie of western North America or the Eurasian magpie.
- A black-and-white moth with pale markings, especially the magpie moth found in parts of Europe and Asia.
"A magpie landed on the fence and gave a harsh, ringing call."
"The magpie flew across the garden with something bright in its beak."
"A magpie moth rested on the bark of the willow tree."
The standard plural is magpies, with the final e retained.
"Several magpies gathered at the edge of the field."
Magpies are famous for their intelligence and their habit of gathering shiny objects, giving rise to the enduring idea that they steal silver spoons.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does magpie come from?
English borrowed the word through French magpie, from Old French pie, which was derived from Latin pica, the name of a magpie. The form reflects a compound in which the initial element was associated with the bird and the second element came from a word meaning pie or magpie. English relatives such as pied and piebald developed through the same French and Latin word for pie, while pica remains the Latin name associated with the bird.
How magpie is actually used
In British English, the term can refer to the Eurasian magpie and related birds of the crow family. In North American usage, it most often denotes the black-billed magpie. The expression magpie moth is a compound name for a particular moth and is not a second sense in ordinary use.
Easily confused with magpie
A magpie is generally a larger, long-tailed black-and-white bird, whereas a jay is usually more colorful and has a shorter tail, though both belong to the crow family.