: 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
See All Example Sentences for starling
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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
See All Example Sentences for starling
Cite this Entry
“Starling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/starling. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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