songbird

noun

song·​bird ˈsȯŋ-ˌbərd How to pronounce songbird (audio)
1
a
: a bird that utters a succession of musical tones
b
: an oscine bird
2
: a female singer

Examples of songbird 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.
How obvious that such a word should mean the songbird and an infection of the mouth. — Literary Hub, 6 July 2026 Ironically, this bird was named after one of its enemies, the cat, which often kills songbirds out of instinct and not necessarily to eat them. — Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026 Yellow, nectar-rich blooms support butterflies, bees, and other pollinators while tiny seeds provide an important food source for songbirds. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 July 2026 Plant hummingbird-friendly flowers for an extra special treat for the bird enthusiasts in your house, then enjoy watching the hummingbirds flit about as songbirds take a dip in the basin. — Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for songbird

Word History

First Known Use

1573, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of songbird was in 1573

Rhymes for songbird

See All Rhymes for songbird

Browse Nearby Words

song and dance
songbird
songbook
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Songbird.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/songbird. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

songbird

noun
song·​bird -ˌbərd How to pronounce songbird (audio)
: a bird that utters a series of musical tones

More from Merriam-Webster on songbird

Nglish: Translation of songbird for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about songbird

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