rufous hummingbird

noun

: a hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) of the western U.S. with a chiefly reddish brown male

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rufous hummingbird was in 1812

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near rufous hummingbird

Cite this Entry

“Rufous hummingbird.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rufous%20hummingbird. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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