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

The red and yellow blooms provide an important source of early season nectar for hummingbirds, butterflies, and bumblebees, while our four-legged friends tend to leave this plant alone. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 23 Jan. 2025

Nasturtiums are top performers in garden beds and containers and are noted for their hummingbird attraction and edible leaves and flowers. —Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 18 Jan. 2025

The job comprises mending hummingbirds, some of the city’s most welcome denizens year round. —Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2025

In his first ruling in the case, a judge has determined that patrons are unlikely to be confused between the exclusive Castle Pines Golf Club and an upcoming restaurant nearby that shares a hummingbird theme. —Justin Wingerter, The Denver Post, 7 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing hummingbird

• ruby-throated hummingbird

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