bird

noun, often attributive

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\ ˈbərd

Definition of bird

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 archaic : the young of a feathered vertebrate

2 : any of a class (Aves) of warm-blooded vertebrates distinguished by having the body more or less completely covered with feathers and the forelimbs modified as wings

3 : a game bird

4 : clay pigeon

5a : fellow

b : a peculiar person

c chiefly British : girl

6 : shuttlecock

7 chiefly British

a : a hissing or jeering sound expressive of disapproval

b : dismissal from employment

8 : a thin piece of meat rolled up with stuffing and cooked

9 : a man-made object (such as an aircraft, rocket, or satellite) that resembles a bird especially by flying or being aloft

10 : an obscene gesture of contempt made by pointing the middle finger upward while keeping the other fingers down —usually used with the

— called also finger

11 : birdie sense 2

for the birds

: worthless, ridiculous

bird

verb

birded; birding; birds

Definition of bird (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

: to observe or identify wild birds in their habitats

Other Words from bird Synonyms Example Sentences Phrases Containing bird Learn More About bird

Examples of bird in a Sentence

Noun A large bird flew overhead. The birds were singing outside our window. He's a tough old bird. We met some smashing birds at the pub last night.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Hopson usually guides one or two bird enthusiasts at a time. — Alena Naiden, Anchorage Daily News, 28 July 2022 The National Audubon Society is the country’s leading bird conservation organization. — Jacquelyne Germain, CNN, 27 July 2022 The Polish Academy of Sciences recommended that cat owners limit the amount of time their pets spend outdoors during bird breeding season to reduce the feline's harmful impact on biodiversity, according to the AP. — Tommy Mcardle, PEOPLE.com, 26 July 2022 The motion calls to mind a bird hunting, peering and pecking for insects. — Sam Deanstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2022 To compensate for the foregone income, May and his family rely on carbon credits and a number of other environmental incentives, including a bird-friendly certification from the Audubon Society. — Julia Rosen, The Atlantic, 25 July 2022 The endangered species of native bird nests in the lagoon, and state law prohibits removing the cattails during its breeding season. — Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 July 2022 Turning off unused lights at night will reduce bird collisions while also saving energy, agency officials noted. — From Usa Today Network And Wire Reports, USA TODAY, 22 July 2022 On a quiet gray morning in January 2020, Mr. Wolkin suggested an outing to Coney Island for pizza and bird watching. — Rachel Sherman, New York Times, 22 July 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Visitors will be able to bird watch as well as take a mile-long hike through the sanctuary, which will open to the public this fall. — Arkansas Online, 18 July 2022 Birders can bird all weekend or just a few hours, Andersen said. — Susan Dunne, courant.com, 8 May 2021 On Monday, a white woman named Amy Cooper went viral for threatening the life of a Black man, Christian Cooper (no relation), who was just trying to bird watch in Central Park in peace. — Kathleen Newman-bremang, refinery29.com, 1 June 2020 Outdoor activities like trail running, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, birding, fishing, kayaking, traditional golf and disc golf are perfect for social distancing. — Josh Woods, The Conversation, 22 May 2020 For a taste of nature, Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, located on the north side of town, offers birding and wildlife viewing as well as miles of walking trails. — David James, Anchorage Daily News, 9 Sep. 2015 Outdoor activities are still permitted, including bicycling, birding, boating, fishing, geocaching, hiking and hunting. — Chris Sims, The Indianapolis Star, 15 May 2020 With many birding hotspots closed and organized outings canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, birders have been forced to hang up their binoculars. — Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2020 The Piney Woods Wildlife Society coordinates birding field trips for its members, and meets the third Wednesday of most months at the Dennis Johnston Park Big Stone Lodge in Spring. — Melanie Feuk, Houston Chronicle, 13 Mar. 2020 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bird.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.