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

Most have delicate-looking, tubular flowers in various shades of purple that are attractive to hummingbirds and bees. —Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 13 July 2024

The rarity of hummingbird moths can vary depending on the region and the specific species. —Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 12 July 2024

Flowering in almost every color of the rainbow, the bright blooms attract hummingbirds to the garden. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 July 2024

Word of his hummingbird feeders has also spread, meaning birders will file in along when the migrating hummers come through after monsoon rain. —Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 20 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing hummingbird

• ruby-throated hummingbird

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