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

Butterflies and hummingbirds will flock to this plant. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026

How Often to Clean Feeders Keeping your feeders clean will ensure your hummingbirds are safe and continue to visit your backyard. —Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 10 Feb. 2026

Grow it in full sun or part shade and keep an eye out for hummingbirds. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Feb. 2026

Since a hummingbird will only access the feeder spout with its long beak, any food residue anywhere else on the feeder could be an invitation to ants or other insects. —Peg Aloi, The Spruce, 7 Feb. 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