tanager

noun

tan·​a·​ger ˈta-ni-jər How to pronounce tanager (audio)
: any of numerous chiefly tropical American oscine birds (family Thraupidae) that are often brightly colored and inhabit mostly woodlands compare scarlet tanager

Examples of tanager 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.
Orioles and tanagers flash through city trees. — Anna Lello-Smith, New York Daily News, 9 May 2026 The two discuss last rites and summer tanagers. — Grace Byron, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025 Drizzly, overcast conditions bring the forests to life, with species like the gold-ringed tanager drawing enthusiasts from around the world. — Brit McCandless Farmer, CBS News, 3 May 2026 Macaws, toucans and tanagers are among Colombia's 1,900 avian species, more than any other country. — John Otis, NPR, 30 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for tanager

Word History

Etymology

New Latin tanagra, modification of Portuguese tangará, any of various birds of the suboscine family Pipridae, from Tupi tagará, taŋgará

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tanager was in 1801

Phrases Containing tanager

Rhymes for tanager

See All Rhymes for tanager

Browse Nearby Words

Tanacetum
tanager
Tanagra
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

tanager

noun
tan·​a·​ger ˈtan-i-jər How to pronounce tanager (audio)
: any of numerous small mostly tropical American birds that are often brightly colored compare scarlet tanager

More from Merriam-Webster on tanager

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tanager

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