scarecrow — A model of a human figure dressed in old clothes and set up in a field to frighten birds away from crops
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A model of a human figure dressed in old clothes and set up in a field to frighten birds away from crops
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈskerˌkroʊ/
Example Sentences
- The scarecrow looked so realistic that even the mailman got startled.
- My grandmother's scarecrow is wearing my grandfather's old suit and tie.
- The children built a scarecrow for their school garden project.
scarecrow
NOUN[/ˈskerˌkroʊ/]
A model of a human figure dressed in old clothes and set up in a field to frighten birds away from crops

Straw figure scaring away crows

The scarecrow welcomes the sparrow, while the arrow points to tomorrow
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This compound word emerged in the 16th century from the combination of 'scare' (to frighten) and 'crow' (the bird). The term literally means 'something that frightens crows,' referring to the agricultural practice of placing straw figures in fields to deter birds from crops.
Breakdown
scare (to frighten) + crow (bird) — a compound formed by combining a verb of intimidation with the name of the target animal, literally denoting an object designed to startle and repel crows from farmland.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The scarecrow looked so realistic that even the mailman got startled.”
“My grandmother's scarecrow is wearing my grandfather's old suit and tie.”
“The children built a scarecrow for their school garden project.”
“After the storm, the scarecrow was lying flat on the ground like it was taking a nap.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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