Baltimore oriole

noun

Bal·​ti·​more oriole ˈbȯl-tə-ˌmȯr- 

-mər-

: an oriole (Icterus galbula) of the eastern and central U.S. and southern Canada in which the male has a solid black head and the female usually has an olive-brown back and orange-yellow underside and that was formerly considered to be a subspecies of northern oriole

Examples of Baltimore oriole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Since last week, 16 species of North American land birds have been spotted in Britain and Ireland, including several species of warblers, one northern parula, 10 cliff swallows and three Baltimore orioles, Dr. Lees said. —Derrick Bryson Taylor, New York Times, 27 Sep. 2023

Orange-and-black Baltimore orioles are at home in that tropical habitat. —Jennie Rothenberg Gritz, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Sep. 2023

But a sighting in December, when Baltimore orioles are wintering in Florida, the Caribbean, Central America and the northern tip of South America, would not fit. —The New York Times Elaine Chen Emily Anthes, New York Times, 18 May 2023

The bright orange belly of a Baltimore oriole, the gleaming crimson feathers of a summer tanager and the royal blue plumage of an indigo bunting are naturally eye-catching. —Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 July 2023

Maryland: Baltimore oriole The Baltimore Oriole is Maryland's state bird. —Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 25 July 2023

Female Bird Prize: Baltimore Oriole Though the orange and black pattern of a male Baltimore oriole is perhaps more well-known—and featured in the logo for Baltimore’s Major League Baseball team—the species’ females are a sight to behold, and this one earned the Female Bird Prize. —Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 June 2023

The Baltimore oriole that arrives in the yard next to mine every May 1 or 2 and starts advertising his availability for a mate. —Ty Burr, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2023

Recent bird sightings reported to Mass Audubon: A sampling of new migrants that arrived last week included chimney swifts, yellow warblers, Louisiana waterthrushes, ovenbirds, wood thrushes, warbling vireos, Baltimore orioles and orchard orioles. —Isabela Rocha, BostonGlobe.com, 29 Apr. 2023

Word History

Etymology

George Calvert, Lord Baltimore

First Known Use

1784, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

Baltimore oriole

noun

Bal·​ti·​more oriole ˌbȯl-tə-ˌmō(ə)r- 

-ˌmȯ(ə)r-,

-mər-

: an oriole of eastern and central parts of the U.S. that is orange below and in the male mostly black above and in the female mostly greenish-brown above