1. Plural of dottrel; small wading birds of the plover family, found in northern regions and known for their distinctive markings and breeding behavior.
Usage: ornithology; also spelled dotterel
2. Plural of dottrel; archaic or dialectal term for a foolish or easily deceived person.
Usage: archaic; informal

Examples

• The dottrels migrated north to their breeding grounds in the Arctic.
• Birdwatchers traveled to the tundra hoping to spot dottrels during nesting season.
• The dottrels' distinctive orange-red underparts make them easy to identify in the field.
• In medieval times, dottrels were considered foolish birds that could be easily caught.
• The ornithologist documented the behavior of several dottrels in their natural habitat.