martin

noun

mar·​tin ˈmär-tᵊn 

1

: a small Eurasian bird (Delichon urbica) of the swallow family with a forked tail, bluish-black head and back, and white rump and underparts

2

: any of various birds (especially genus Progne) of the swallow family other than the Eurasian martin compare purple martin

Examples of martin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The martins’ massive aerial formation is a fleeting reminder that even in our sprawling urban sprawl, nature finds its stage. — Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 5 Jan. 2026

The martins gather to form huge communal roosts at several sites in both Carolinas. — Taylor Piephoff, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024

Become a Subscriber Modern martins have become downright trusting of people. — Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 17 Oct. 2023

Recent research has revealed that purple martins rely on larger insects for their food, including dragonflies; and dragonflies eat many more mosquitoes than martins do. — Calvin Finch, San Antonio Express-News, 10 Mar. 2023

The favorite house has six pairs of nesters while two other houses just a year old do not have any martins. — Calvin Finch, ExpressNews.com, 30 Apr. 2020

Word History

Etymology

probably from St. Martin

First Known Use

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing martin

• purple martin

Rhymes for martin

• carton
• garten
• marten
• parton
• spartan
• tartan
• kindergarten

Kids Definition

martin

noun

mar·​tin ˈmärt-ᵊn 

: a small Eurasian swallow with a forked tail, bluish black head and back, a white underside, and a large white patch on the back at the base of the tail

also : any of various related birds

Biographical Definition

Martin 1 of 6

biographical name (1)

Mar·​tin ˈmär-tᵊn 

mär-ˈtaⁿ

Saint circa 316–397 Martin of Tours patron saint of France

Martin

2 of 6

biographical name (2)

Mar·​tin ˈmär-tᵊn 

Archer John Porter 1910–2002 British chemist

Martin

3 of 6

biographical name (3)

Glenn Luther 1886–1955 American airplane manufacturer

Martin

4 of 6

biographical name (4)

Joseph William 1884–1968 American publisher and politician

Martin

5 of 6

biographical name (5)

Micheál 1960-     prime minister of Ireland (2020–22; 2025–  )

Martin

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biographical name (6)

Mar·​tin ˈmär-tᵊn 

mär-ˈtaⁿ

Paul (Edgar Philippe) 1938–     prime minister of Canada (2003–06)