sunbird

noun

sun·​bird ˈsən-ˌbərd How to pronounce sunbird (audio)
: any of numerous small brilliantly colored oscine birds (family Nectariniidae) of the tropical Old World somewhat resembling hummingbirds

Examples of sunbird in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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However, in other parts of Asia, lipstick vines are known for their long, bright red, tubular flowers, which are primarily pollinated by sunbirds. Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026 In June, Indian customs officers seized nearly 100 creatures including lizards, sunbirds and tree-climbing possums, from a passenger arriving from Thailand. CBS News, 17 Nov. 2025 Today, those invaders have been cleared, and more than 100,000 native saplings have grown into a lush forest cover that’s now home to sunbirds, bulbuls, geckos and chameleons. Chris Schalkx, Vogue, 30 Sep. 2025 The Canaries, located off the northwest coast of Africa, are a popular escape among sunbirds, thanks to the warm weather and plentiful sunshine. Siobhan Reid, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2025 Migratory sunbirds from the tropics are favorites among the more than 420 species that have been spotted on the island. D. Hunter Reardon, USA Today, 21 May 2025 Looking skyward, the southern reaches of Kenya also serve as a paradise for birdwatchers, with colorful animals like the malachite kingfisher, little bee-eater and Marico sunbird calling the region home. Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 The lush terraced gardens, full of glossy, iridescent sunbirds darting amid exotic flowers, are the best place to admire the white sails of a traditional dugout dhow turning tangerine in the setting sun. Lisa Grainger, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Jan. 2025 Deep in the lowlands of South Asia, the forests are alive with fruit-eating barbets and nectar-sipping sunbirds. Byalice Sun, science.org, 25 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sunbird was in 1826

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Cite this Entry

“Sunbird.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sunbird. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.

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