bunting

1 of 3

noun (1)

bun·​ting ˈbən-tiŋ 

: any of various stout-billed passerine birds (families Cardinalidae and Emberizidae) of which some are grouped with the cardinal and some with the New World sparrows compare indigo bunting, painted bunting

bunting

2 of 3

noun (2)

1

: a lightweight loosely woven fabric used chiefly for flags and festive decorations

2

a

: flags

b

: decorations especially in the colors of the national flag

bunting

3 of 3

noun (3)

: an infant's hooded garment made of napped fabric

Examples of bunting in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The Wings Event Center, where the event was held, was festooned with bunting and flags—this rally was meant to be televised. —Emily Witt, The New Yorker, 27 Oct. 2024

The hall should be draped in purple bunting, and purple balloons must rain down from the rafters. —Julie Garel, Baltimore Sun, 17 July 2024

The little girl was lying on a fuzzy lavender bunting that had been unzipped into a blanket. —Caleb Crain, The New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2024

Already, black bunting was strewn from the station's sign and across Comperatore's locker. —Chris Kenning, USA TODAY, 17 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English

Noun (2)

perhaps from English dialect bunt (to sift)

Noun (3)

term of endearment in the nursery rhyme "Bye, baby bunting"

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1711, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (3)

1922, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing bunting

• indigo bunting
• painted bunting
• snow bunting

Kids Definition

bunting

1 of 2 noun

bun·​ting ˈbənt-iŋ 

: any of various finches that are similar to sparrows in size and habits but have stout bills

bunting

2 of 2 noun

1

: a thin cloth used chiefly for making flags and patriotic decorations

2

: flags or decorations made of bunting

Etymology

Noun

Middle English buntynge "bunting"

Noun

possibly derived from a dialect word bunt "to sift (meal)"