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

In the Mashpi cloud forest of Ecuador, there are more than 30 species of hummingbirds. —Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026

The most distinctive difference are tiny notches in the second tail feather of the adult male rufous hummingbird. —Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026

How to feed hummingbirds The easiest way to attract hummingbirds is by hanging a feeder. —Cheyenne Derksen, Oklahoman, 22 Mar. 2026

According to Hummingbird Central, a hummingbird can travel as much as 23 miles in one day. —Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 19 Mar. 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