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

Last week, Quié, who has the build of a refrigerator and the energy of a hummingbird, was at the Charles Pan-Fried Chicken on 145th Street, preparing for another collaboration. —Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026

Don’t sleep on this two-pack of hummingbird feeders, which can hold up to 16 ounces of hummingbird feed each, or this popular bird bath that birds love splashing around in. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2026

One of the best ways to attract more hummingbirds to your yard is by hanging feeders filled with homemade nectar. —Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 15 Apr. 2026

The solid red color scheme is perfect for attracting hummingbirds to your yard, and its glass jar holds 16 ounces of nectar. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 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