What does toucan mean?
Toucan names a large tropical American bird especially associated with tropical forests from southern Mexico through Central and South America. Its most recognizable feature is its long, often vividly colored bill, although toucans also have striking plumage, and some species have dark or less conspicuous markings. The name is sometimes used broadly for all members of the toucan family, which also includes smaller birds called toucanets. In everyday usage, “toucan” has a cheerful, picturesque quality because of its unusual appearance and its frequent appearance in children's books, cartoons, advertising, and descriptions of tropical wildlife. It can refer to an individual bird, a species, or toucans collectively. Taxonomically, more precise usage may distinguish the genus Ramphastos from the other genera in the family. The word's unusual sound and dramatic visual associations make it memorable, while its clear reference to a recognizable bird makes it useful and accessible.
nounA toucan is a large tropical American bird in the toucan family, characterized by a long, often brightly colored bill and conspicuous plumage. The term is also used more broadly for the family, including the smaller birds commonly called toucanets.
- A large tropical American bird of the toucan family, having a long, often brightly colored bill.
"A pair of toucans perched at the top of the rainforest tree, their brilliant bills bright against the leaves."
"The toucan flew from branch to branch, carrying a berry in its enormous bill."
"The wildlife documentary featured a toucan preening in the canopy of an Amazon rainforest tree."
The regular plural is used for multiple birds and for members of the group collectively.
"Toucans use their bills to reach fruit and small animals."
The toucan’s spectacular bill is supported by a lightweight internal framework, making the bird look far more top-heavy than it really is.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does toucan come from?
English borrowed toucan in the early 17th century from Portuguese tucano. Portuguese in turn took the word from Tupi, a language of the Tupian group, with the underlying Tupi form usually given as tukano. Related forms include Portuguese or Italian tucano, Spanish tucán, and German Tukan.
How toucan is actually used
Usually countable and neutral in register. British pronunciation is commonly /ˈtjuːkən/, while American pronunciation is commonly /ˈtuːkɑːn/; the word is also used attributively, as in “toucan bill.”
Easily confused with toucan
A toucan is a large, conspicuous bird of the toucan family, while a toucanet is a smaller member of the same family; the terms are not interchangeable in bird guides.