blue jay

noun

: a crested bright blue North American jay (Cyanocitta cristata)

Examples of blue jay in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In folklore, blue jays have both done the Lord’s work and facilitated the Devil’s dirty deeds. Theodore R. Johnson, Washington Post, 31 July 2024 Columnist — and birder — Ted Johnson shares the story of the philandering backyard blue jay who delivered a lesson on life. Drew Goins, Washington Post, 31 July 2024 The number of blue jays, for example, was significantly higher even three years after the cicada eruptions. Benji Jones, Vox, 6 May 2024 Three species—starlings, blue jays and gray catbirds—had emerged as the most adept vocal learners, according to a statement. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Sep. 2023 See all Example Sentences for blue jay 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'blue jay.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1709, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of blue jay was in 1709

Dictionary Entries Near blue jay

Cite this Entry

“Blue jay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blue%20jay. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

blue jay

noun
: a bright blue North American jay having a small bunch of feathers pointing upward and backward from the top of the head
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!