bird of passage

noun phrase

1
: a migratory bird
2
: a person who leads a wandering or unsettled life

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bird of passage was in 1633

Dictionary Entries Near bird of passage

Cite this Entry

“Bird of passage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bird%20of%20passage. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

bird of passage

: a bird that migrates

More from Merriam-Webster on bird of passage

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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