hummingbird

noun

hum·ming·bird | \ ˈhə-miŋ-ˌbərd

Definition of hummingbird

: 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

Examples of hummingbird in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Combine that with ruby-throated hummingbirds being extremely territorial. — Taylor Piephoff, charlotteobserver, "Bird activity slows this time of year, but it’ll pick up soon," 27 June 2018 Some Mexicans believe hummingbirds have supernatural powers. — National Geographic, "Inside the Black Market Hummingbird Love Charm Trade," 18 Apr. 2018 Do not miss the large display of hummingbird species or the Ware Collection of glass flowers, highly detailed and accurate models of hundreds of flowering and nonflowering plants created by Czech glassworkers. — Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "New England museums to visit this summer and fall," 4 July 2018 Most people would be surprised by how much pleasure this combative senator got from watching the hummingbirds at the McCain home outside Sedona, Arizona. — Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, "Read the Full Transcript of Former Senator Joe Lieberman's Speech at John McCain's Memorial Service," 1 Sep. 2018 Alternatively, take a dip in the fresh saltwater pool, grab a seat in the garden and work amongst the hummingbirds and butterflies, or chill in one of the poolside cabanas that are covered in kumquat trees. — Rachel Waldman, Vogue, "7 Exclusive Social Clubs Where Non-Members Can Stay the Night," 17 July 2018 The action will get especially exciting later this fall when the migrating hummingbirds move through San Antonio. — Calvin Finch, San Antonio Express-News, "Container plants perfect for the San Antonio summer heat," 15 June 2018 The blues stroke the air and hundreds of feeders for cardinals, hummingbirds, orioles, finches, squirrels, woodpeckers and other creatures dangle from racks. — Aaron Gilbreath, Longreads, "The Red Caddy," 24 Apr. 2018 Her garden was a wildlife habitat and a migration stopover for hummingbirds, butterflies, and finches. — Bonnie L. Cook, Philly.com, "Joan 'Penny' Colgan-Davis, innovative educator and clerk of Quaker meetings," 6 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hummingbird.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.