ousel

1 of 2

noun (1)

ou·​sel

less common spelling of ouzel

1
a
: blackbird sense 1a
b
: ring ouzel
2
: dipper sense 2

ouzel

2 of 2

noun (2)

ou·​zel ˈü-zəl How to pronounce ouzel (audio)
variants or less commonly ousel
1
a
: blackbird sense 1a
b
: ring ouzel
2
: dipper sense 2

Examples of ousel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
Along the glistening cobbles of the bank, a black ouzel bobbed and flew rock to rock, staying just ahead of me, keeping me company. — Peter Heller, Outdoor Life, 17 Feb. 2020

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

Middle English ousel, from Old English ōsle — more at merle

First Known Use

Noun (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of ousel was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing ousel

Browse Nearby Words

Ouse
ousel
Oushak
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ousel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ousel. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ousel

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ousel

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