hummingbird

noun

hum·​ming·​bird ˈhə-miŋ-ˌbərd 

: any of a family (Trochilidae) of tiny brightly colored nonpasserine American birds related to the swifts that have a very slender bill and an extensible tongue for sipping nectar and that usually hover rather than perch when feeding

Illustration of hummingbird

Examples of hummingbird in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Volusia County Master Gardener Plant Faire: Bring a wagon and choose from a variety of Florida natives, including butterfly and hummingbird plants, herbs and edibles, native plants, perennials and trees. —Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2025

Plants flower in shades of pink, blue, purple, and white, inviting hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees to sip their nectar. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 2025

Meanwhile, hummingbirds were referenced with special significance in Prince Harry's 2023 memoir, Spare. —Janine Henni, People.com, 19 Feb. 2025

Their territorial fury is especially aimed at other hummingbirds. —Rachel Nuwer, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing hummingbird

• ruby-throated hummingbird

Rhymes for hummingbird

• afterword
• firebird
• ladybird
• mockingbird
• overheard
• thunderbird
• undergird
• undeterred
• absurd
• averred
• bluebird
• byword

Kids Definition

hummingbird

noun

hum·​ming·​bird ˈhəm-iŋ-ˌbərd 

: any of numerous tiny brightly colored American birds related to the swifts and having narrow swiftly beating wings, a slender bill, and a long tongue for sipping nectar