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passenger pigeon
noun
: an extinct but formerly abundant North American migratory pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius)
Examples of passenger pigeon in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
When massive flocks of passenger pigeons arrived, communities gathered to hunt the birds, which were once an integral part of the American diet.
—Jared Del Rosso, The Conversation, 22 Oct. 2024
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In the 19th century, passenger pigeons—or Ectopistes migratorius—were so abundant that their flocks could stretch for miles, darkening the sky for hours.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024
Martha The Passenger Pigeon Martha, the last known passenger pigeon, passed away on September 1, 1914, at the Cincinnati Zoo, bringing an end to a species that once filled the skies of North America.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024
The group is involved in even more ambitious work using genetic advances to bring back the passenger pigeon and other extinct animals.
—Dino Grandoni, Washington Post, 15 July 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1772, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near passenger pigeon
Cite this Entry
“Passenger pigeon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/passenger%20pigeon. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
passenger pigeon
noun
: an extinct but formerly very common North American pigeon that migrated long distances
More from Merriam-Webster on passenger pigeon
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about passenger pigeon
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