1. of, relating to, or belonging to the order Gruiformes, a group of wading and terrestrial birds that includes cranes, rails, and coots
Usage: technical; zoological

Examples

• The gruiform birds are characterized by long legs and necks adapted for wading.
• Cranes are among the most recognizable gruiform species.
• Ornithologists classify rails and coots as gruiform birds.
• The gruiform order includes over 200 species found worldwide.