Bachman's sparrow

noun

Bach·​man's sparrow

ˈbäkmənz-

variants or less commonly Bachman sparrow

-ən-

: a sparrow (Aimophila aestivalis bachmani) of the central and southern U.S. that is reddish brown above and white below with the breast and sides washed with warm light brown

Word History

Etymology

after John Bachman †1874 American Luthern clergyman and naturalist

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!