How Do You Spell OUSEL?

Pronunciation: [ˈa͡ʊsə͡l] (IPA)

The word "ousel" may seem like a tricky one to spell, but with the help of IPA phonetic transcription, it becomes easier to understand. This word, pronounced /ˈuːz(ə)l/, refers to a Eurasian bird similar to a blackbird. Its spelling is derived from the Middle English word "osel" and Old English word "osle." The unique combination of sounds in the word, including the long "oo" sound followed by the "z" and "l" consonants, can make it difficult to remember how to spell correctly.

OUSEL Meaning and Definition

1. Ousel refers to a noun that primarily denotes a type of small thrush bird found in Europe and Asia, belonging to the Turdidae family and taxonomic genus Turdus. Also known by its scientific name Turdus torquatus, the ouzel is characterized by a distinctive black plumage, orange-yellow beak, and a white patch on its wings. The species is further divided into various subtypes, including the ring ouzel, water ouzel, and rock ouzel, all of which share similar physical features.

   Aside from its ornithological context, the term "ousel" can also be used to refer to a number of related concepts. In literature and folklore, the ouzel may symbolize various ideas and themes, such as purity, transformation, or duality. Furthermore, "ousel" has been used to describe certain musical instruments, particularly a type of medieval stringed instrument resembling a lute, usually played with a bow.

   In general usage, "ousel" may occasionally be employed to describe any blackbird-like bird or bird species resembling or related to the ousel. The term may also be utilized within certain dialects or specific regions as a colloquial term for a blackbird or its territorial song. While once more commonly employed, the word "ousel" is now less frequently used compared to its synonymous counterparts, such as "blackbird" or "thrush," except in specific contexts like literature, birdwatching, or ornithological discussions.

2. A blackbird; one of the thrush family.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for OUSEL

• iusel
• kusel
• lusel
• pusel
• 0usel
• 9usel
• oysel
• ohsel
• ojsel
• oisel
• o8sel
• o7sel
• ouael
• ouzel
• ouxel
• oudel
• oueel
• ouwel
• ouswl

Etymology of OUSEL

The word "ousel" is derived from the Old English word "osle", which later evolved into "osel". It ultimately originates from the Proto-Germanic word *aflō, meaning "blackbird". From Old English, "ousel" entered Middle English as "osel" and later took the form of "ousel". The term is used to refer to a species of thrush, known for its dark plumage and melodious song.

Similar spelling words for OUSEL

• ouzel,
• ousley.

Plural form of OUSEL is OUSELS