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

After the hearing, as Brown walked down the steps of Rowan County Courthouse, a hummingbird flew between her and an Observer reporter before landing on the building’s front pillar. — Julia Coin october 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 Oct. 2026

In addition to the baby goldfinches cheep-cheeping all the time at my house, our hummingbirds have escalated their season-long territorial battle to dramatic and violent heights. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Each of the hummingbirds is made up of 53 pieces, while the botanical motif between the seats consists of 84 pieces. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2026

Some baby hummingbirds disguise themselves as caterpillars with stinging hairs to avoid predators, while octopus, squid, and cuttlefish use camouflage to blend in with their surroundings and hide. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 10 Sep. 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