1. plural of moorhen; medium-sized water birds with dark plumage and white undertail coverts, found near ponds, lakes, and marshes

Examples

• The moorhens built their nest among the reeds at the water’s edge.
• We spotted several moorhens swimming across the pond this morning.
• Moorhens are easily recognized by their distinctive white tail patches.
• The children watched the moorhens dive for food in the shallow water.
• During migration season, moorhens gather in large flocks on the lake.
• The nature guide pointed out the moorhens hiding in the cattails.