merle etymology

Etymology:

• Old French: "merle"
• Medieval Latin: "merula"
• Latin: "merulus" (blackbird)

Meaning:

• A blackbird, specifically the common blackbird (Turdus merula) or the American robin (Turdus migratorius).

Origin:

The word "merle" ultimately derives from the Proto-Indo-European root *mer-, meaning "black" or "dark." It is related to several other words for blackbirds in various Indo-European languages, such as:

• Sanskrit: "maina"
• Greek: "myrna"
• Old High German: "amsel"
• Lithuanian: "mazilis"

The specific form "merle" entered English through Old French, where it was used to refer to the common blackbird. Over time, the meaning expanded to include other species of blackbirds, including the American robin.

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