songbird

noun

song·​bird ˈsȯŋ-ˌbərd How to pronounce songbird (audio)
1
a
: a bird that utters a succession of musical tones
b
: an oscine bird
2
: a female singer

Examples of songbird in a Sentence

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.
Ground-nesting birds such as turkeys, quail, and some songbirds are at risk of tegu predation. Alan Clemons, Outdoor Life, 20 Feb. 2025 Past work has suggested that some songbirds and newts also possess dual magnetoreception systems. Jack Tamisiea, Scientific American, 12 Feb. 2025 Grass and Straw: Many songbirds, including the American robin and bluebirds, use grass and straw in their nests. Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Mar. 2025 Bright red drupes often remain well into October, accenting the foliage and attracting hungry songbirds to the autumn garden. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for songbird

Word History

First Known Use

1573, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of songbird was in 1573

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Cite this Entry

“Songbird.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/songbird. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

songbird

noun
song·​bird -ˌbərd How to pronounce songbird (audio)
: a bird that utters a series of musical tones

More from Merriam-Webster on songbird

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