Illustration of wren
- wren 1
1
: any of a family (Troglodytidae) of small typically brownish oscine singing birds
especially
: a very small widely distributed bird (Troglodytes troglodytes) that has a short erect tail and is noted for its song
2
: any of various small singing birds resembling the true wrens in size and habits
Examples of wren in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In past years the male house wren jumped into action as soon as eggs hatched, bringing in food to help feed the hungry youngsters.
—
Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2023
Frequently, males are killed defending the nest, leaving the daunting task of feeding four hungry chicks all to Mama wren.
—Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2023
This could mean the male wren was killed while defending the nest from another male attempting to claim the nest box as his own.
—Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2023
Elsewhere in the county were a Virginia rail and a marsh wren at Lake Wallace in Belchertown, four sandhill cranes in the fields off Old Post Road in Worthington, and two continuing blue grosbeaks at the Honey Pot in Hadley.
—BostonGlobe.com, 19 Aug. 2023
Grand Canyon National Park - Arizona Birds of Grand Canyon National Park: Peregrine falcon, California condor, Common raven, Steller’s pinyon, Red-tailed hawk, Scrub jay and Canyon wren.
—Camille Fine, USA TODAY, 29 July 2023
This is a perfect birdhouse for wrens and chickadees, since the hole size is 1.25 inches.
—Brandi Fuller, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2023
Bird lovers will see roadrunner, wren, cardinal, gamble quail and desert owls (also: keep your eyes peeled for golden eagles).
—Kate Donnelly, Forbes, 17 July 2023
Normally, once chicks arrive, the male jumps into action and brings food to help the mother wren.
—Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2023
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Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2023
Frequently, males are killed defending the nest, leaving the daunting task of feeding four hungry chicks all to Mama wren.
—Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2023
This could mean the male wren was killed while defending the nest from another male attempting to claim the nest box as his own.
—Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2023
Elsewhere in the county were a Virginia rail and a marsh wren at Lake Wallace in Belchertown, four sandhill cranes in the fields off Old Post Road in Worthington, and two continuing blue grosbeaks at the Honey Pot in Hadley.
—BostonGlobe.com, 19 Aug. 2023
Grand Canyon National Park - Arizona Birds of Grand Canyon National Park: Peregrine falcon, California condor, Common raven, Steller’s pinyon, Red-tailed hawk, Scrub jay and Canyon wren.
—Camille Fine, USA TODAY, 29 July 2023
This is a perfect birdhouse for wrens and chickadees, since the hole size is 1.25 inches.
—Brandi Fuller, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2023
Bird lovers will see roadrunner, wren, cardinal, gamble quail and desert owls (also: keep your eyes peeled for golden eagles).
—Kate Donnelly, Forbes, 17 July 2023
Normally, once chicks arrive, the male jumps into action and brings food to help the mother wren.
—Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wren.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English wrenne, from Old English wrenna; akin to Old High German rentilo wren
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of wren was
before the 12th century
Phrases Containing wren
Dictionary Entries Near wren
Cite this Entry
“Wren.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wren. Accessed 4 Dec. 2023.
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Kids Definition
wren
noun1
: any of a family of small mostly brown singing birds with short rounded wings and a short tail that points upward
2
: any of various small singing birds resembling the true wrens in size and habits
Biographical Definition
More from Merriam-Webster on wren
Nglish: Translation of wren for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wren
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