blackbird

1 of 2

noun

black·​bird ˈblak-ˌbərd 

1

: any of various birds of which the males are largely or entirely black: such as

a

: a common thrush (Turdus merula) of Eurasia and northern Africa having an orange bill and eye rim

b

: any of several American oscine birds (family Icteridae)

2

: a Pacific islander kidnapped for use as a plantation laborer

blackbird

2 of 2

verb

blackbirded; blackbirding; blackbirds

intransitive verb

: to engage in the slave trade especially in the South Pacific

Examples of blackbird in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Evening Song by Christian Brinkmann Eurasian blackbirds are a common sight, but German photographer Christian Brinkmann wanted to capture one in an artistic, unusual way. —Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Jan. 2025

In front of the fairground lights, this Eurasian blackbird posed for its song. —Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024

Brinkmann lined up the silhouette of the blackbird with the fair’s illumination, composing a unique look at the species. —Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Jan. 2025

Although blackbirds are a common sight, Christian likes to photograph them in distinctive ways. —Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1836, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing blackbird

• red-winged blackbird

Kids Definition

blackbird

noun

black·​bird

ˈblak-ˌbərd

: any of various birds of which the males are mostly or entirely black: as

a

: a common European thrush

b

: any of several American birds (as a red-winged blackbird) related to the meadowlarks and orioles