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 grounds run wild with deer, fox, hawks, hummingbirds, and the occasional brown bear. — Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 29 June 2026

Both hummingbirds and butterflies love taking sips out of them on hot summer days. — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026

These flowers attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees, but deer and rabbits ignore them. — Steve Bender, Southern Living, 7 July 2026

Organizers expect visitors will see both Anna’s and Allen’s hummingbirds on-site. — Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 1 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