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blue jay

noun
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\ ˈblü-ˌjā How to pronounce blue jay (audio) \

Definition of blue jay

: a crested bright blue North American jay (Cyanocitta cristata)

Examples of blue jay in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Take a closer look at what makes the blue jay such a colorful character. — ExpressNews.com, "Express Briefing: Dan Patrick offers $1M reward for evidence of voter fraud," 11 Nov. 2020 If a squirrel starts barking, a blue jay squawks, or a crow starts fussing, throw a grunt that way. — The Editors, Outdoor Life, "35 Pieces of Deer-Hunting Wisdom to Read Before You Hunt This Season," 2 Nov. 2020 The intense hue of a blue jay contrasts sharply with the aspen yellows as the birds chatter noisily while feeding. — Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, "The beauty of the fall in the High Sierra is starting to emerge," 3 Sep. 2020 In a season too often defined by isolation, the arrival of a cardinal or blue jay just beyond the window is a hopeful reminder of continuity and connection. — Danny Heitman, The Christian Science Monitor, "What are birds doing? David Allen Sibley knows.," 20 May 2020 Most days, a family of cardinals shows up, then the chickadees and finches and a large, loud blue jay. — Beth Thames | Bethmthames@gmail.com, al, "Lockdown is no fun, but consider yourself lucky if you’re well," 21 Apr. 2020 Like its cousin the blue jay, the Florida scrub jay boasts striking blue feathers, especially on the head, chest, wings, and tail. — National Geographic, "Florida scrub jay," 3 Mar. 2020 Up the street, a blue jay and a robin in a tree quiet me with their full-throated tightrope-walking argumentative vitality. — Diane Mehta, The New Yorker, "Bunches of a Nest," 24 Feb. 2020 The virus was already known to kill crows and blue jays in Minnesota, and it can be transmitted from mosquitoes to humans. — John Myers, Twin Cities, "Study finds varying effects of West Nile virus on grouse in western Great Lakes," 23 Oct. 2019

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

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First Known Use of blue jay

1709, in the meaning defined above

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The first known use of blue jay was in 1709

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Cite this Entry

“Blue jay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blue%20jay. Accessed 4 Mar. 2021.

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More Definitions for blue jay

blue jay

noun
How to pronounce blue jay (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of blue jay

: a common American bird that is mostly blue

See the full definition for blue jay in the English Language Learners Dictionary

blue jay

noun
\ ˈblü-ˌjā How to pronounce blue jay (audio) \

Kids Definition of blue jay

: a crested and mostly blue North American bird related to the crows

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