chickadee

noun

chick·​a·​dee ˈchi-kə-(ˌ)dē 

: any of several small North American oscine birds (genus Poecile of the family Paridae) that are related to the titmice, usually have the crown of the head distinctly darker than the body, and have sometimes been placed especially formerly in a related genus (Parus)

Examples of chickadee in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

During a hike through Robinsons Island, visitors can spot boreal chickadees, red crossbills and yellow warblers flitting along the branches, while the refuge’s many beaches are perfect for spotting shorebirds like the willet and greater yellowlegs. —Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025

Every half hour or so a flock of chickadees swirls around me. —Brian Mann, NPR, 25 Feb. 2025

The downy also clings upside down on tree branches, reminding me of a nuthatch or chickadee. —Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025

Peanuts—shelled or unshelled—are a favorite treat of bluejays, woodpeckers, chickadees, and several other species. —Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

imitative

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for chickadee

• agree
• allee
• banshee
• beastly
• bibi
• bowsprit
• carefree
• cerci
• chablis
• cowpea
• crappie
• crappy

Kids Definition

chickadee

noun

chick·​a·​dee ˈchik-ə-(ˌ)dē 

: any of several small North American birds with the top of the head black or brown