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

Desert willow’s trumpet flowers, which are mildly fragrant, attract hummingbirds and the tree serves as a nesting site for a variety of songbirds. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 29 Nov. 2025

Sturdy, easy to assemble, and known to attract birds, butterflies, and even hummingbirds, this resin bird bath has a 28-inch basin. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Nov. 2025

Seeing hummingbirds delight at backyard feeders is one of the many joys of birders across the South, but making sure they are kept happy–and staying at your feeder–can be an overwhelming thought. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 2025

The hummingbird wasn’t the only small creature that needed a helping hand. —Ronnie Li, USA Today, 14 Nov. 2025

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