starling

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noun star·ling \ ˈstär-liŋ \

Definition of starling

:any of a family (Sturnidae, especially genus Sturnus) of usually dark gregarious oscine birds; especially :a dark brown or in summer glossy greenish-black European bird (S. vulgaris) naturalized nearly worldwide and often considered a pest

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Recent Examples of starling from the Web

Starling and the Miami Gardens police department approved the plea deal.

— david ovalle, miamiherald, "Mentally ill gunman who ambushed cop gets four years in prison," 23 Aug. 2017
A caller reported that two young starlings had fallen into the caller’s chimney.

— Washington Post, "Loudoun County Animal Watch," 16 Aug. 2017
Who: Started in 1996 in San Diego by former U.S. national team member Byron Shewman, the Starlings teams offer club volleyball opportunities to girls (ages 10-18) regardless of their socioeconomic background.

— don norcross, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Veteran volleyball coach has new project with Starlings," 14 June 2017
Starling lined out to shortstop for the second out and Soler hammered the two out grand slam to end the game.

— tim grubbs, NOLA.com, "'Cakes get four home runs, lose in ten innings 15-11," 11 June 2017
And there was a European starling that seemed to flutter all around, in one moment zipping right by the flame and in the next dashing away.

— rick rojas, New York Times, "Invisible ‘Bird Killer’ Lurks in Revitalized New Jersey Meadowlands," 26 Apr. 2017
This is not just the story of Mozart and his starling, but a love letter to vulgarity, messiness, caprice and the beauty of things that don’t fit, don’t go where they are supposed to.

— helen macdonald, New York Times, "Biographies of Cecil the Lion and Others in ‘Animals Strike Curious Poses’," 13 Mar. 2017
The rest of it is berries left in the bramble after a visit from midday starlings.

— david owen, The New Yorker, "The Problem with Sappho," 27 Feb. 2017
An aplomado falcon works best for agricultural clients plagued by starlings and sparrows.

— lauren williams, Orange County Register, "Bird vs. bird: Falconry is latest technique to tackle avian pollution," 3 Jan. 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of starling

Middle English, from Old English stærlinc, from stær starling + -ling, -linc -ling; akin to Old High German stara starling, Latin sturnus

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First Known Use: before 12th century

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STARLING Defined for English Language Learners

starling

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noun

Definition of starling for English Language Learners

: a dark brown or black bird that is common in Europe and the U.S.

STARLING Defined for Kids

starling

play

noun star·ling \ ˈstär-liŋ \

Definition of starling for Students

:a dark brown or greenish black European bird that is now common in the United States

Learn More about starling

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

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starling

Definition of starling

Recent Examples of starling from the Web

Origin and Etymology of starling

STARLING Defined for English Language Learners

starling

Definition of starling for English Language Learners

STARLING Defined for Kids

starling

Definition of starling for Students

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