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

Insects such as migrating monarch butterflies and some other animals, such as hummingbirds, depend on energy-rich nectar for fuel. —Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026

During our Zoom interview, a hummingbird appeared at the feeder just outside Safran’s window. —Barbara Bry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2026

With 312 pieces, this three-in-one set can be assembled into a colorful hummingbird, butterfly, or tropical fish. —Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026

Grow them in hanging baskets where hummingbirds will drink the nectar from their lantern-like blooms, or in flower beds or containers where the flowers will spill over the edges. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 May 2026

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