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

The red-rock haven features tight orange canyons and spruce and fir forests, with wildlife like prairie dogs, pronghorns, and migrating hummingbirds. —Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2026

Kincaid points out that in states such as California and Arizona, hummingbirds are around all year. —Lauren David, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2026

The orange flowers will attract hummingbirds all summer. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 17 May 2026

Sweet liquids that hummingbirds prefer can also attract ants and bees, but the smart design of this feeder with a moat and small feeding holes keeps unwanted pests away. —Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 13 May 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