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

However, pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds love them, says Allan. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2026

Nectar-producing plants such as penstemon, bee balm, and columbine appeal to hummingbirds. —Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026

Bolite Hummingbird Feeder This glass hummingbird feeder is hand-blown, making each one both decorative and unique. —Quincy Bulin, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Mar. 2026

And yet — as if in defiance of nature — Death Valley is still a hot spot for wildflower blooms, attracting pollinators such as butterflies, moths, bees and hummingbirds that might not otherwise visit this corner of the California desert. —Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 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