hummingbird

noun

hum·​ming·​bird ˈhə-miŋ-ˌbərd 

: any of a family (Trochilidae) of tiny brightly colored nonpasserine American birds related to the swifts that have a very slender bill and an extensible tongue for sipping nectar and that usually hover rather than perch when feeding

Illustration of hummingbird

Examples of hummingbird in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Little things often stir memories of her—like hummingbirds, Traci’s favorite symbol of hope. —Shelby Stewart, Essence, 29 Oct. 2024

Trumpet vine’s big, red blooms demand attention in any garden, but this plant is also a magnet for hummingbirds and other pollinators. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2024

From hummingbirds and butterflies to spiders and even lowly beetles, all those wee beasties are part of an intricate web that makes up an ecosystem. —Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 11 Oct. 2024

The collection also features the Flat Gold Hummingbird Necklace, which is inspired by the joyful resilience of the hummingbird, which matches up with the Flat Gold Hummingbird Single Earring. —Nadja Sayej, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing hummingbird

• ruby-throated hummingbird

Kids Definition

hummingbird

noun

hum·​ming·​bird ˈhəm-iŋ-ˌbərd 

: any of numerous tiny brightly colored American birds related to the swifts and having narrow swiftly beating wings, a slender bill, and a long tongue for sipping nectar