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

Many birds, for example, produce feathers with elaborate color patterns – from the iridescent plumage of many hummingbirds to the famously brilliant tail of a peacock. —Logan S. James, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2026

According to Hummingbird Central, a hummingbird can travel as much as 23 miles in one day. —Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 19 Mar. 2026

Types of hummingbirds in Oklahoma Oklahoma has several species of hummingbirds that migrate through the state in spring and fall. —Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 18 Mar. 2026

However, pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds love them, says Allan. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 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