starling

noun

star·​ling ˈstär-liŋ 

: any of a family (Sturnidae, especially genus Sturnus) of usually dark gregarious oscine birds

especially : a dark brown or in summer glossy greenish-black European bird (S. vulgaris) naturalized nearly worldwide and often considered a pest

Examples of starling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Potential Problems Due to Bird Nesting Sparrows, wrens, blue jays, mallards, starlings, doves, and pigeons are just a few types of birds that commonly nest near humans. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2025

The strain is common among the starlings that migrate through Nevada in the winter and might have carried the virus into the state, the Nevada Department of Agriculture shared on Facebook last March. —Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025

The video showcases an extraordinary display of a massive flock of starlings gliding across the sky. —Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025

The starling succumbed to competition and predation. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English stærlinc, from stær starling + -ling, -linc -ling; akin to Old High German stara starling, Latin sturnus

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

starling

noun

star·​ling ˈstär-liŋ 

: any of a family of usually dark-colored birds that tend to flock together

especially : a dark brown or in summer glossy greenish black European bird that has been brought to the U.S. and is often considered a pest