for the birds

phrase

Synonyms of for the birdsnext
: worthless, ridiculous

Examples of for the birds in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some say the traffic backed up at Logan and Library roads is for the birds — or because Tom wants to take his time to cross the street. — Meghan Schiller, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026 Daniil Medvedev thought the chair umpire's call was for the birds. — ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for for the birds

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of for the birds was in 1943

Rhymes for for the birds

See All Rhymes for for the birds

Browse Nearby Words

for the better
for the birds
for the chop
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“For the birds.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/for%20the%20birds. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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