avian

adjective

avi·​an ˈā-vē-ən How to pronounce avian (audio)
: of, relating to, or derived from birds
avian behavior
avian species
see also avian dinosaur

Examples of avian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But Nieder doesn’t think this means an avian brain is just wired to produce answers on a timer. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026 Outbreaks like the avian flu can cause significant price fluctuations. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 23 Oct. 2026 The brackish lagoons are a fuel stop for birds crossing between Europe and Africa, making for a constantly rotating avian cast. — Alexandra Marvar, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026 The necropsy found that Jackie had multiple conditions, including a type of infectious avian flu. — ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for avian

Word History

Etymology

Latin avis

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of avian was in 1861

Phrases Containing avian

Rhymes for avian

See All Rhymes for avian

Browse Nearby Words

AVI
avian
avian dinosaur
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Avian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avian. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

avian

adjective
avi·​an ˈā-vē-ən How to pronounce avian (audio)
: of, relating to, or derived from birds

Medical Definition

avian

adjective
avi·​an ˈā-vē-ən How to pronounce avian (audio)
: of, relating to, or derived from birds
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