cowbird

noun

cow·​bird ˈkau̇-ˌbərd How to pronounce cowbird (audio)
: any of a genus (Molothrus of the family Icteridae) of New World blackbirds that lay their eggs in the nests of other birds
especially : brown-headed cowbird

Examples of cowbird 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.
The photo today is of a blue grosbeak nest with a cowbird egg. — Taylor Piephoff, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 The unsuspecting vireo will then raise the cowbird chicks, which grow faster than its own and outcompete the vireo nestlings for food. — Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2024 Another possibility is that the cowbirds want their potential victims to know they are being targeted and watched. — Nathan H. Lents, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Apr. 2025 In addition to similarities in appearance, the young cowbirds are drawn to the chattering noises of adult female cowbirds (read more here). — Grrlscientist, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cowbird

Word History

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cowbird was in 1810

Phrases Containing cowbird

Rhymes for cowbird

See All Rhymes for cowbird

Browse Nearby Words

cowbind
cowbird
cowboy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cowbird.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cowbird. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cowbird

noun
cow·​bird -ˌbərd How to pronounce cowbird (audio)
: a small North American blackbird that lays its eggs in the nests of other birds

More from Merriam-Webster on cowbird

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cowbird

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