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

Blooming flowers will provide natural nectar sources, but hummingbirds primarily eat bugs, including an assortment of gnats, mosquitoes, crane flies, midges and spiders. —Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2026

This is a favorite among hummingbirds, who enjoy the blooms in late spring through the summer months. —Lauren David, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026

Cardinal flower produces vibrant red spikes that strongly attract hummingbirds. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026

Weigela is a spring bloomer that hummingbirds love, offering clusters of flowers just as the season begins. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Apr. 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