greylag

noun

grey·​lag ˈgrā-ˌlag How to pronounce greylag (audio)
: the common gray wild goose (Anser anser) of Europe from which most domestic breeds of geese are descended

Examples of greylag in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some of his visitors travel more than 15 hours by plane for a 35-minute ride with Moullec and his avian companions, often spotting cranes and geese like the brent, barnacle, red-breasted, and greylag species. — National Geographic, 4 Jan. 2018 The greylag goose, Anser anser, is a widespread species that was domesticated as early as 1360BC, and is the ancestor of domestic geese. — Grrlscientist, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2021

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from gray + lag entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1713, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of greylag was circa 1713

Rhymes for greylag

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Browse Nearby Words

greyhound
greylag
Greylock, Mount
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on greylag

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about greylag

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