thrush

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈthrəsh 

plural thrushes

: any of numerous small or medium-sized passerine birds (family Turdidae and especially subfamily Turdinae) which are mostly of a plain color often with spotted underparts and many of which are excellent singers

For most backyard birders, thrushes tend to fly under the radar. But you may be more familiar with this varied group than you realize. Although they may not look it, American robins and bluebirds are both part of the thrush bird family. … Six species of thrushes with brown backs and spotted chests live in forests across North America.

—Kenn Kaufman and Kimberly Kaufman

see also song thrush, waterthrush, wood thrush

thrush

2 of 2

noun (2)

1

: a disease that is caused by a fungus (Candida albicans), occurs especially in infants and children, and is marked by white patches in the oral cavity

broadly : candidiasis

vaginal thrush

2

: a suppurative disorder of the feet in various animals (such as a horse)

Examples of thrush in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Other skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema can look like thrush. —Donna Murray, Rn, Parents, 3 July 2024

In the latter case, however, ancient texts suggest thrushes were primarily eaten by wealthier Romans. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 11 June 2025

Other birds undertake even longer journeys — the Swainson’s thrush, for example, nests as far north as the boreal forests of Alaska and spends the nonbreeding season in northern South America, traveling up to 5,600 miles (9,000 kilometers) each way. —Jason Hoeksema, The Conversation, 21 May 2025

Your healthcare provider can usually diagnose thrush through a visual examination. —Sarah Jividen, Health, 13 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English thrusche, from Old English thrysce; akin to Old English throstle thrush, Old High German droscala, Latin turdus

Noun (2)

probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Danish trøske thrush, Swedish torsk

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing thrush

• song thrush
• wood thrush

Rhymes for thrush

• blush
• brush
• crush
• flush
• gush
• hush
• lush
• mush
• plush
• shush
• slush
• airbrush

Kids Definition

thrush

noun

ˈthrəsh

: any of a large family of small or medium-sized songbirds that are mostly of a plain color often with spotted underparts

Medical Definition

thrush

noun

ˈthrəsh 

1

: a disease that is caused by a fungus of the genus Candida (C. albicans), occurs especially in infants and children, and is marked by white patches in the oral cavity

broadly : candidiasis

vaginal thrush

2

: a suppurative disorder of the feet in various animals (as the horse)