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

These tanks, along with the plant’s colorful leaves also help to lure the plant’s pollinators such as the Big Three — bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. — Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Aug. 2026

Opening spring through fall in pure white to soft pink hues, the fragrant blooms are a favorite of butterflies, bumblebees, and hummingbirds. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 9 Aug. 2026

Like a nectar-drunk hummingbird, her voice swooped, hovered, and soared across that record’s moonlit arrangements. — Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 7 Aug. 2026

Seeing what’s hidden beneath the surface NASA, alongside the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), published an image July 21, showing what appears to be a hummingbird in mid-flight. — Drew Pittock, USA Today, 24 July 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