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

Birds such as swifts, swallows, sparrows, and starlings, which make their nests in the eaves of roofs, have been particularly affected by abnormally high temperatures, said Romaine de Jaegere, founder of the Center for the Rehabilitation of Animals Living in the Wild refuge in Temploux, in Belgium. — Makini Brice, USA Today, 23 June 2026

Within moments, someone pointed out a starling flitting across the hazy sky. — Evgenia Anastasakos, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026

Sparrows, starlings, bluebirds, swallows, ravens, pigeons, and crows can become nuisance birds, causing damage and health risks. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 13 June 2026

Their prey includes pigeons, ducks, shorebirds and starlings — fast, agile fliers that are capable of making sudden evasive turns. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026

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