warbler

noun

war·​bler ˈwȯr-blər 

plural warblers

1

a

: any of numerous small chiefly Old World oscine birds formerly all of one family (Sylviidae) many of which are noted songsters and are closely related to the thrushes

So, why are European warblers drab? Well, they accomplish the same thing, males compete with other males and attract females, but they do it through their songs instead. They tend to be prolific songsters. So European warblers just chose a different type of communication.

—Irby Lovette, quoted at AllAboutBirds.org

b

: any of numerous small brightly colored American oscine birds (families Parulidae and Peucedramidae) with a usually weak and unmusical song

The American warblers are incredible bits of life, small and active, varied and colorful. … Because these birds are so tiny, so hyperactive, so good at hiding behind leaves, most people never see them at all. But once you start looking for them, warblers are like magical prizes that come into your life as a reward for paying close enough attention.

—Kenn Kaufman

called also wood warbler

2

: someone or something that warbles

especially : a person who sings : singer, songster

Adding to the impressive lineup of warblers is Broadway superstar Kristin Chenowith and super cabaret singer Morgan James singing the music of Gershwin.

—Ken Glickman

Illustration of warbler

• warbler 2a

Examples of warbler in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Whistling warblers and rat-tat-tatting woodpeckers accompanied the splish-splash of our kayak paddles through the Cache River Wetlands—one of the northernmost bald cypress swamps in the United States. —Jess Hoffert, Midwest Living, 15 May 2026

The project isn’t far from Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, a major tourist destination for the community and home for critters like the golden-cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 2026

There are many online guides and apps, as well as books, to learn to identify birds, including warblers. —Sheryl Devore, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026

Researchers from the University of East Anglia spent years investigating the Seychelles warbler because these birds never leave their home. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 12 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing warbler

• Kirtland's warbler
• prothonotary warbler
• wood warbler

Kids Definition

warbler

noun

war·​bler ˈwȯr-blər 

1

: one that warbles

2

a

: any of numerous small Old World songbirds many of which are noted for their melodious song and which are closely related to the thrushes

b

: any of numerous small brightly colored American songbirds with a usually weak and unmusical song