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

The flowers, which come in white, peach, pink, and purple, attract hummingbirds and bees. —Lauren David, Southern Living, 6 July 2025

They are frequented by everything from bumble bees to hummingbirds and a wide diversity of butterflies. —Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025

The buzzy week is an annual celebration raising awareness about the critical role pollinators like bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other insects play in our ecosystems, and the urgent need to protect them. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2025

Fun Fact #1: There are over 300 species of hummingbirds, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. —Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 June 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