avian

adjective

avi·​an ˈā-vē-ən How to pronounce avian (audio)
: of, relating to, or derived from birds
avian behavior
avian species
see also avian dinosaur

Examples of avian 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.
Colossal recently announced its artificial egg platform — a first-of-its-kind incubation system capable of supporting complete avian embryo development outside a biological eggshell, from early embryo to hatch, without supplemental oxygen. Dasha Shunina, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 Why Regular Cleaning Is Important Bacterial diseases like conjunctivitis and avian pox can spread through saliva and bird droppings, warns Manning. Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 5 June 2026 Macaws, toucans and tanagers are among Colombia's 1,900 avian species, more than any other country. John Otis, NPR, 30 May 2026 Now that her space is full of coneflowers, cosmos and yarrow, the avian life has rebounded. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for avian

Word History

Etymology

Latin avis

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of avian was in 1861

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Avian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avian. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

avian

adjective
avi·​an ˈā-vē-ən How to pronounce avian (audio)
: of, relating to, or derived from birds

Medical Definition

avian

adjective
avi·​an ˈā-vē-ən How to pronounce avian (audio)
: of, relating to, or derived from birds
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster