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ortolan

A small European migratory bunting (), once eaten whole as a delicacy.

ˈɔː.təl.ənCurrent147 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
🗺️ Regional & Other
3 definitions
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Seen in the wild
5 citations · last seen May 2026

Seen in the wild

Definitions

#1·Apr 27, 2026

A small European migratory bunting (), once eaten whole as a delicacy.

For parents

Ortolan means: A small European migratory bunting , once eaten whole as a delicacy.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.

For ESL learners

ortolan means: A small European migratory bunting , once eaten whole as a delicacy.. Register: neutral, standard English. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself. A formal-English equivalent (a synonym or descriptive phrase) is usually safer in writing. When in doubt, paraphrase rather than reuse the slang form.

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#2·Apr 27, 2026

The greater short-toed lark ().

Heard in the wild
  • “VesselAlert Name: ORTOLAN MMSI: 244770005 Callsign: PI3956 Type: Passenger Flag: Netherlands Seen: 06-May-2026 12:55:40 CEST Dest.: STAVOREN Distance: 27.0 nm Signal RSSI: 0.0 dBFS Ship AIS VesselAlert © kx1t - link”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “"Miss, I've studied in the finest culinary schools in the land. I could offer you lobster bechamel, smoked salmon and caviar, even ortolan bunting - anything you wish." "Okay? I said double whopper and cheese fries, get moving."”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “Current detection: Ortolan Bunting 0.67”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “For Alice’s birthday lets all cook the plump bird ☺️🔥 ortolan style”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
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#3·Apr 27, 2026

(US) Any of various similar birds, especially the bobolink, sora, or snow bunting.

Cluster: general
Heard in the wild
  • “VesselAlert Name: ORTOLAN MMSI: 244770005 Callsign: PI3956 Type: Passenger Flag: Netherlands Seen: 05-May-2026 09:00:10 CEST Dest.: STAVOREN Distance: 27.0 nm Signal RSSI: 0.0 dBFS Ship AIS VesselAlert © kx1t - link”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
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For specific readers

Ortolan means: A small European migratory bunting , once eaten whole as a delicacy.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.

Why is this section here?

Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.

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🗺️About Regional & Other slang

Regional slang from around the English-speaking world — British, Australian, Irish, Caribbean, Nigerian, Filipino, AAVE, and the hyphenated-English dialects that make the internet sound local.

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