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

Huntington Gardens hummingbird specialist Cole Imperi will lead a talk on attracting hummingbirds to your yard or balcony. — Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026

These plants attract butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 1 Sep. 2026

Last year, Maldonado painted hummingbirds behind Rocket Fizz. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Spring blooms attract butterflies and hummingbirds, while dark purple summer fruits provide a feast for songbirds. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 25 Aug. 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