tanager

noun

tan·​a·​ger ˈta-ni-jər 

: any of numerous chiefly tropical American oscine birds (family Thraupidae) that are often brightly colored and inhabit mostly woodlands compare scarlet tanager

Examples of tanager in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Grosbeaks may have passed by your seed feeders or western tanagers may have sought berries in your yard. —Jack Gedney, The Mercury News, 23 Sep. 2024

Grace’s warbler, Nashville warbler, Bell’s vireo, summer tanager, Western tanager, black-headed grosbeak, to name a few. —Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 22 Sep. 2024

Be prepared for some competition; elderberries are a favorite of warblers, orioles, tanagers, and catbirds. —Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Aug. 2024

In their endemic ranges, these wasps are eaten by skunks, squirrels, or bears, or snagged in flight by kingbirds and tanagers. —Hannah Hoag, USA TODAY, 28 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin tanagra, modification of Portuguese tangará, any of various birds of the suboscine family Pipridae, from Tupi tagará, taŋgará

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing tanager

• scarlet tanager

Kids Definition

tanager

noun

tan·​a·​ger ˈtan-i-jər 

: any of numerous small mostly tropical American birds that are often brightly colored compare scarlet tanager