mockingbird

noun

mock·​ing·​bird ˈmä-kiŋ-ˌbərd 

ˈmȯ-

: a common grayish North American bird (Mimus polyglottos) related to the thrashers that is remarkable for its exact imitations of the notes of other birds

Examples of mockingbird in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One of Tallahassee’s most powerful voices — Marion Hammer, the 87-year-old retired lobbyist for the National Rifle Association — has long been a champion for the mockingbird and its distinctive songs. —Douglas Hanks may 6, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026

But many bird species — like doves, blue jays, mockingbirds — spend much of their early life on the ground while learning to fly. —Yvette Orozco, Houston Chronicle, 3 May 2026

Although the fruit isn’t edible, the beautiful red berries are a favorite of birds like the mockingbird. —Campbell Vaughn, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026

There was quiet now, only the sounds of mockingbirds and hawks from every direction, chirp, chirp, chirp, chirp. —Christopher Spata, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mockingbird

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

Kids Definition

mockingbird

noun

mock·​ing·​bird ˈmäk-iŋ-ˌbərd 

ˈmȯk-

: a common grayish North American songbird that is closely related to the catbirds and thrashers and is noted for the sweetness of its song and for its imitations of the notes of other birds