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

To prepare for the journey, a hummingbird will nearly double its body mass. —Joyce Orlando, Nashville Tennessean, 4 Sep. 2025

In temperate areas, the feeder should be cleaned at least twice a week for the entire hummingbird season. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2025

For instance, hummingbirds may feed on nectar from red and pink-colored, tubular flowers. —Special To The Denver Post, Denver Post, 31 Aug. 2025

The sentence said that the natural predators of tarantulas are frogs and hummingbirds. —Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Aug. 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