mockingbird

noun

mock·​ing·​bird ˈmä-kiŋ-ˌbərd How to pronounce mockingbird (audio)
ˈmȯ-
: a common grayish North American bird (Mimus polyglottos) related to the thrashers that is remarkable for its exact imitations of the notes of other birds

Examples of mockingbird 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.
Spotting a mockingbird is a reminder of the goodness present in our lives. — Abby Fribush, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2026 But many bird species — like doves, blue jays, mockingbirds — spend much of their early life on the ground while learning to fly. — Yvette Orozco, Houston Chronicle, 3 May 2026 Perhaps not in the key some of us wanted to hear but then, some folks find mockingbirds annoying, too. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026 There was quiet now, only the sounds of mockingbirds and hawks from every direction, chirp, chirp, chirp, chirp. — Christopher Spata, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mockingbird

Word History

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mockingbird was in 1676

Rhymes for mockingbird

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Browse Nearby Words

mock-heroic
mockingbird
mockingly
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Cite this Entry

“Mockingbird.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mockingbird. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

mockingbird

noun
mock·​ing·​bird ˈmäk-iŋ-ˌbərd How to pronounce mockingbird (audio)
ˈmȯk-
: a common grayish North American songbird that is closely related to the catbirds and thrashers and is noted for the sweetness of its song and for its imitations of the notes of other birds

More from Merriam-Webster on mockingbird

Nglish: Translation of mockingbird for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mockingbird

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