songbird

noun song·bird \ ˈsȯŋ-ˌbərd \

|Updated on: 13 Jun 2018

Definition of songbird

1 a : a bird that utters a succession of musical tones

b : an oscine bird

2 : a female singer

See songbird defined for English-language learners

See songbird defined for kids

Recent Examples of songbird from the Web

Although there was no official statement on its meaning, songbirds are known for their powerful voices—again, an indication of activist values.

— elise taylor, Vogue, "All the Poignant Symbolism in Meghan, Duchess of Sussex’s Coat of Arms," 29 May 2018
The outlet reports that Haddish will play Tuca, an eccentric and confident toucan, and Wong with play Bertie, an anxious, gentle songbird.

— kathryn lindsay, refinery29.com, "Tiffany Haddish & Ali Wong Are Making A Netflix Comedy About Bird Women," 7 May 2018
The songbirds arrive at High Island after their overwater crossing and descend into the community’s woodlots to feed, drink, bathe and regroup.

— bruce m. beehler, Smithsonian, "Thirty-Seven Warblers in a Hundred Days," 16 Apr. 2018
And bowhead whales — 75-ton, thick-bodied mammals that can live two centuries and grow to be as long as a tractor-trailer — are the world's biggest songbirds.

— cleve r. wootson jr., chicagotribune.com, "Scientists discover a whale species' mating songs are as complex as jazz," 4 Apr. 2018
In a 2015 report, the Austin American-Statesman showed how Combs worked to remove endangered protections for a native state songbird, the golden-cheeked warbler, claiming that its listing hurt military readiness.

— hanna krueger, NOLA.com, "Bubbles the Camel is home after a stroll through Livingston Parish: report," 4 Apr. 2018
The choice of the songbird reflects Meghan’s outspoken nature and passion for activism.

— erin hill, PEOPLE.com, "Breaking Down All the Hidden Easter Eggs in Meghan Markle's Coat of Arms (There’s a Nod to L.A.!)," 25 May 2018
Migratory songbirds such as yellow warblers and Baltimore orioles abound in spring.

— Houston Chronicle, "Top birding spots around Texas," 10 May 2018
As many as 1 billion birds — mostly songbirds — are estimated to die every year in the U.S. from building collisions, according to a 2014 study by researchers at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute.

— christina tkacik, Howard County Times, "As Howard County glass buildings kill birds, local groups aim to save avian lives," 3 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'songbird.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of songbird

1573

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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SONGBIRD Defined for English Language Learners

songbird

noun

Definition of songbird for English Language Learners

: a bird that produces a series of musical sounds : a bird that sings especially in an appealing way
: a female singer

SONGBIRD Defined for Kids

songbird

noun song·bird \ ˈsȯŋ-ˌbərd \

Definition of songbird for Students

: a bird that produces a series of usually musical sounds

Learn More about songbird

See words that rhyme with songbird Spanish Central: Translation of songbird Nglish: Translation of songbird for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of songbird for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about songbird

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songbird

Definition of songbird

Recent Examples of songbird from the Web

First Known Use of songbird

SONGBIRD Defined for English Language Learners

songbird

Definition of songbird for English Language Learners

SONGBIRD Defined for Kids

songbird

Definition of songbird for Students

Learn More about songbird

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songbird

Definition of songbird for English Language Learners

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