red-winged blackbird

noun

: a North American blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) of which the adult male is black with a patch of bright scarlet at the bend of the wings bordered behind with yellow or buff

called also redwing blackbird

Examples of red-winged blackbird in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The red-winged blackbirds announce their approach with a trill, then muscle the others out of the way. Theodore R. Johnson, Washington Post, 31 July 2024 The trails extend out behind the graveyard and wind through serene wetlands, full of blue herons and red-winged blackbirds. Katy Kelleher, Outside Online, 27 June 2024 Most of these birds are red-winged blackbirds heading back north. Taylor Piephoff, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 There was an unusual number of red-winged blackbirds that day, their calls piercing the air. Jessica Francis Kane, Harper's Magazine, 20 Nov. 2023 See all Example Sentences for red-winged blackbird 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'red-winged blackbird.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1769, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of red-winged blackbird was circa 1769

Dictionary Entries Near red-winged blackbird

Cite this Entry

“Red-winged blackbird.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/red-winged%20blackbird. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

red-winged blackbird

noun
ˌred-ˌwiŋd-
: an American blackbird of which the adult male is black with a patch of bright red on the wing

called also redwing blackbird

More from Merriam-Webster on red-winged blackbird

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