hummingbird

noun

hum·​ming·​bird ˈhə-miŋ-ˌbərd 

: any of a family (Trochilidae) of tiny brightly colored nonpasserine American birds related to the swifts that have a very slender bill and an extensible tongue for sipping nectar and that usually hover rather than perch when feeding

Illustration of hummingbird

Examples of hummingbird in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The hummingbird wasn’t the only small creature that needed a helping hand. —Ronnie Li, USA Today, 14 Nov. 2025

August brings a flush of fragrant, nectar-rich blooms that draw hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees to the garden. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2025

Palm trees also inspired Meghan's brand As ever, with the elegant logo featuring a palm tree flanked by two hummingbirds. —Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025

On a late summer morning in the Pacific Palisades, dozens of hummingbirds rise from the ashes of Spencer Pratt‘s scorched hillside property, where his 2,200-square-foot, three-bedroom home once perched. —Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing hummingbird

• ruby-throated hummingbird

Rhymes for hummingbird

• afterword
• firebird
• ladybird
• mockingbird
• overheard
• thunderbird
• undergird
• undeterred
• absurd
• averred
• bluebird
• byword

Kids Definition

hummingbird

noun

hum·​ming·​bird ˈhəm-iŋ-ˌbərd 

: any of numerous tiny brightly colored American birds related to the swifts and having narrow swiftly beating wings, a slender bill, and a long tongue for sipping nectar