starling

noun

star·​ling ˈstär-liŋ 

: 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

Examples of starling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The inexplicable incidents have killed mourning doves, European starlings, crows and other common backyard species. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 May 2025

The birds, a Mourning dove and European starling, were collected by the operators of the power line, PG&E, who said in a statement to KGO that the equipment at the center of the bird controversy met avian safety standards, in a statement provided to USA TODAY Tuesday. —James Powel, USA Today, 14 May 2025

Rubenstein tells the Guardian that superb starlings living in larger flocks have higher success rates at raising chicks and surviving overall. —Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 May 2025

African superb starlings belong to the starling family, living over 15 years and growing up to 19 cm in height. —Jay Kakade may 18, New Atlas, 18 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for starling

• carling
• harling
• marling
• snarling
• sparling

Kids Definition

starling

noun

star·​ling ˈstär-liŋ 

: any of a family of usually dark-colored birds that tend to flock together

especially : a dark brown or in summer glossy greenish black European bird that has been brought to the U.S. and is often considered a pest