woodpecker UK /ˈwʊdˌpɛkə/US /ˈwʊdˌpɛkɚ/ noun2 •Any bird of the species-rich family Picidae, with a strong pointed beak suitable for pecking holes in wood.On its summit towered aloft the fir tree which has often been referred to, like a mighty mast, full of woodpeckers' holes. — 1886 •(slang) A Type 92 heavy machine gun. formswoodpeckers