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

The starling lived with Mozart and his family for three years—apparently influencing his work and serving as his companion, his distraction, his consolation, and his muse. —The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024

The scene was ethereal, like being in the middle of a starling’s murmuration. —Jennifer Billock, Travel + Leisure, 31 July 2024

The location of the camera is unknown aside from being in a garden in Northern Indiana, but viewers can see a large variety of songbirds from cardinals and cowbirds to starlings and sparrows. —Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 2 Apr. 2024

But in the mid-20th century, its numbers plummeted and the birds disappeared completely from some parts of the state, victims of habitat loss, chemicals, global warming, and invasive species like the European starling and the house sparrow. —Jennifer Dixon, Detroit Free Press, 15 Apr. 2024

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