wren

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noun \ ˈren \

Definition of wren

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

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Recent Examples of wren from the Web

Mealworm seedcake, for example, is designed to attract bluebirds, orioles, wrens, jays, chickadees and titmice.

— kara carlson, The Seattle Times, "Passion for bird-watching led brothers to build a birdseed empire," 12 July 2017
Its hillsides and areas around the base are full of coastal sage scrub and prickly pear cacti, providing habitat for the California gnatcatcher and coastal cactus wren.

— elizabeth marie himchak, Pomerado News, "Hikers, are you up for a challenge?," 5 July 2017
But this is nesting season and the little white birdhouse at the garden’s edge was also buzzing with activity as tiny house wrens shuttled delicious morsels such as earwigs, small worms and nondescript spiders to the hungry chicks inside.

— ernie cowan outdoors, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Sit back and enjoy the show," 1 July 2017
Birds such as tanagers, thrush, orioles, grosbeaks, vireos, wrens, and buntings.

— cleveland.com, "Spring songbird migration: 20 of our prettiest visitors (photos, videos)," 22 May 2017
Another break in the rain an hour or so later produced our best bird of the day; a sedge wren off Rea Road.

— taylor piephoff, charlotteobserver, "Heavy rain made for miserable birding in Charlotte, then we caught a break," 28 Apr. 2017
Some species can be helped with nesting boxes — bluebirds, wrens and chickadees, for example.

— adrian higgins, The Denver Post, "Calling citizen scientists: Researchers want you to track nesting birds in your garden," 28 Apr. 2017
From Buley Rockhole, take the two-mile Florence Creek Walk through the monsoon rainforest and spot a range of wildlife, from unique bird species such as kingfishers and fairy-wrens, to bandicoots (small terrestrial marsupials).

— Smithsonian, "Discover more of the Northern Territory's Top End.," 7 Apr. 2017
Of those, the most common are wrens, titmice, chickadees, bluebirds, house sparrows, nuthatches, fly catchers, tree swallows, woodpeckers, kestrels, wood ducks, barn owls and screech owls.

— joan morris, The Mercury News, "Now is the time to put up bird nesting boxes," 26 Jan. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'wren.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of wren

Origin and Etymology of wren

Middle English wrenne, from Old English wrenna; akin to Old High German rentilo wren

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

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Wren

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biographical name \ ˈren \

Definition of Wren

Sir Christopher 1632–1723 English architect

WREN Defined for English Language Learners

wren

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noun

Definition of wren for English Language Learners

: a small bird with brown feathers and a short tail that points upward

WREN Defined for Kids

wren

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noun \ ˈren \

Definition of wren for Students

:a small brown songbird with a short tail that points upward

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See words that rhyme with wren Spanish Central: Translation of wren Nglish: Translation of wren for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wren

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