British regional any of several warblers of the genus Sylvia which nest among nettles beneath hedges; especially the whitethroat, S. communis, the blackcap, S. atricapilla, or the garden warbler, S. borin.
Origin
Late 18th century; earliest use found in John Rutty (1698–1775), physician.
Definition of nettle creeper in US English:
nettle creeper
noun
British regional any of several warblers of the genus Sylvia which nest among nettles beneath hedges; especially the whitethroat, S. communis, the blackcap, S. atricapilla, or the garden warbler, S. borin.
Origin
Late 18th century; earliest use found in John Rutty (1698–1775), physician.