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.
After eggs are laid, most songbirds leave the nest within 30 days. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 29 June 2026 Their multi-stemmed branching structure offers nesting sites for smaller songbirds. — Special To The Denver Post, Denver Post, 12 May 2026 The angel wore a trim charcoal Borsalino with a tiny bouquet of songbird feathers and a scarlet paisley scarf that rippled in the breeze. — Literary Hub, 3 June 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 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
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Cite this Entry

“Songbird.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/songbird. Accessed 8 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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