snowbird

noun

snow·​bird ˈsnō-ˌbərd How to pronounce snowbird (audio)
1
: any of several birds (such as a junco or fieldfare) seen chiefly in winter
2
: one who travels to warm climes for the winter

Did you know?

Snowbird has been in use since the late 1600s, but it has only been applied to humans since the early 1900s. It was first used to describe men who enlisted in the armed forces to get food and clothing during the winter months and then deserted as the warm spring weather approached. Not long after, the term was applied to the northern laborers who would flock down south to work as the cold, harsh winter set in up north. Today, northerners of all kinds, from vacationers to retirees, can be seen migrating as soon as the first frost arrives.

Examples of snowbird in a Sentence

Like many of the state's snowbirds, they live in Florida from November through March.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The gem of the Coachella Valley Palm Springs shines extra brightly this time of year, attracting flocks of snowbirds, families and friends looking to soak up some winter sunshine. Leslie Kelly, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025 Our Guide Milton The sparkling beaches of Pensacola attract snowbirds and beachfront accommodations there fill up quickly for spring break. Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2025 Puerto Rico Puerto Rico’s temperatures consistently remain in the 70-degree range, even in December, drawing snowbirds to the island’s shores for a U.S. passport–free adventure. Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 28 Jan. 2025 The bottom line: Minnesota retirees may be snowbirds, but our ducks, not so much. Nick Halter, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for snowbird

Word History

First Known Use

1674, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of snowbird was in 1674

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Cite this Entry

“Snowbird.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/snowbird. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

snowbird

noun
snow·​bird -bərd How to pronounce snowbird (audio)
: any of several small birds (as a junco) seen chiefly in winter

More from Merriam-Webster on snowbird

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