rufous

adjective

ru·fous ˈrü-fəs

: reddish

Examples of rufous in a Sentence

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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.

The robin-sized gray catbird sports a lovely shade of gray overall, with a black cap, dark eye, black in the wings and contrasting bright rufous under its tail. — Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026 The most distinctive difference are tiny notches in the second tail feather of the adult male rufous hummingbird. — Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026 The rufous hummingbird, in particular, is on a bad trajectory. — Shaun McKinnon, The Arizona Republic, 2 Sep. 2024 Dirk Hartog has been declared feral-free, and eight formerly locally extinct species, including the stick-nest rat and the rufous hare-wallaby, now thrive there. — Keith Drew, AFAR Media, 16 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rufous

Word History

Etymology

Latin rufus red — more at red

First Known Use

1782, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of rufous was in 1782

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Rufous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rufous. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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rufous

adjective

Examples of rufous in a Sentence

Word History

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