Definition of woodpecker

Short definition: The word woodpecker refers to a bird that pecks at trees to find insects, build nests, or communicate, often recognized by its rhythmic tapping sounds and its ability to cling vertically to tree trunks.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word woodpecker? The word woodpecker refers to a type of bird known for pecking on trees with its strong beak. It is commonly mentioned in nature descriptions, wildlife documentaries, and everyday observations of birds. Woodpeckers are easy to recognize because of the tapping sounds they make and their unique behavior. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, with enough detail to feel clear, human, and informative.

Forms: woodpecker, woodpeckers
Related: bird n., beak n., tree n.
Syllable: wood-peck-er

1. (Noun) A bird that pecks on tree trunks to find food or make nesting holes.

   A woodpecker is a bird with a strong pointed beak that repeatedly pecks on wood to search for insects, create nesting spaces, or communicate, and it is specially adapted to absorb the impact of constant tapping without injury.

   The woodpecker hammered on the old tree for several minutes as it searched for insects hidden beneath the bark.
   Early in the morning, the sound of a woodpecker echoed through the quiet forest.
   She spotted a woodpecker clinging to the tree trunk, moving upward as it pecked rhythmically.

   Synonyms: tree pecking bird, forest bird, insect eating bird, bark pecking bird, tapping bird, woodland bird, cavity nesting bird, tree dwelling bird, pecking bird species, trunk pecker, wood boring bird, forest pecker
   Antonyms: ground bird, flightless bird, seed eating bird, water bird, non pecking bird, silent bird, smooth bark bird, grazing bird, walking bird, ground dwelling animal, non tapping bird, quiet species

2. (Noun) A symbol of persistence repetition or focused effort in figurative language.

   Figuratively, a woodpecker can describe a person who keeps repeating an action or idea with steady persistence, especially when emphasizing effort, focus, or determination over time.

   He approached the problem like a woodpecker, returning to it again and again until he finally found a solution.
   Her constant reminders made her feel like a woodpecker tapping away until everyone paid attention.
   The coach praised him for working like a woodpecker, practicing the same move daily until it became perfect.

   Synonyms: persistent person, steady worker, tireless repeater, focused individual, determined figure, consistent worker, relentless effort symbol, repetitive worker, patient achiever, disciplined person, methodical worker, perseverance symbol
   Antonyms: quitter, unfocused person, inconsistent worker, easily distracted individual, impatient person, one time effort, careless worker, lazy figure, scattered thinker, random actor, short term effort, inconsistent behavior