sparrow

noun

spar·row | \ ˈsper-(ˌ)ō

, ˈspa-(ˌ)rō\

Definition of sparrow

1 : any of a genus (Passer of the family Passeridae) of small chiefly brownish or grayish Old World oscine songbirds that include some which have been widely introduced especially : house sparrow

2 : any of numerous finches (family Emberizidae) that are New World birds (such as the song sparrow or tree sparrow) resembling the Old World sparrows

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Researchers are working with landowners in the state to preserve some of the last vital habitats available for grassland birds, like the bobolink, Savannah sparrow and meadowlark. — USA TODAY, "Kacey Musgraves, sneaker flap, skiing in July: News from around our 50 states," 3 July 2019 At Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, there were two Wilson’s phalaropes, three swamp sparrows, four American redstarts, and a blackpoll warbler. — BostonGlobe.com, "Bird sightings across the region," 23 June 2019 Synthetic materials may even confer some advantages over natural ones; sparrows and finches, for instance, have been known to stuff cigarette butts into the lining of their nests as a means of warding off parasitic mites. — Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, "Found: A Bees’ Nest Built Entirely of Plastic Waste," 7 June 2019 Light mint green vintage cabinets and a matching retro refrigerator make the space bright and cheery, while sparrows (in honor of the home's name) are featured on the walls. — Lauren Smith, House Beautiful, "A Retro Cabin That Will Help You Escape Reality," 1 Oct. 2015 Also spotted on the island were six common loons, two American golden-plovers, two roseate terns, and a seaside sparrow. — BostonGlobe.com, "bird sightings," 30 June 2018 As for its regular feathered inhabitants, the Coastside is blessed with migratory shorebirds, an abundance of gulls, breeding warblers, wintering sparrows, and a richness of raptors. — Jill K. Robinson, SFChronicle.com, "5 places to spot birds in Half Moon Bay," 12 July 2018 Scientists have discovered evidence that the American swamp sparrow, Melospiza georgiana, has likely been singing the same songs for a millennium. — Robert Lachlan, National Geographic, "This Bird Has Been Singing the Same Song for 1,000 Years," 20 June 2018 One issue to consider when using moss roses is that the foliage and blooms are sometimes eaten by sparrows and other birds. — Calvin Finch, San Antonio Express-News, "Container plants perfect for the San Antonio summer heat," 15 June 2018

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