bird's-eye

1 of 2

noun

1
: any of numerous plants with small bright-colored flowers
especially : a speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys)
2
a
: an allover pattern for textiles consisting of a small diamond with a center dot
b
: a fabric woven with this pattern
3
: a small spot in wood surrounded with an ellipse of concentric fibers

bird's-eye

2 of 2

adjective

1
: marked with spots resembling birds' eyes
2
: having or involving a bird's-eye view
bird's-eye perspective

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bird's-eye was in 1586

Dictionary Entries Near bird's-eye

Cite this Entry

“Bird's-eye.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bird%27s-eye. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

bird's-eye

adjective
ˈbərd-ˌzī
1
a
: seen from above as if by a flying bird
bird's-eye view
b
: general entry 1 sense 3, cursory
a bird's-eye survey of American history
2
: having spots resembling birds' eyes
bird's-eye maple
also : made of wood containing such spots

More from Merriam-Webster on bird's-eye

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