early bird

noun

1
: an early riser
2
: one that arrives early and especially before possible competitors

Examples of early bird 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.
Sure, the official sale kicks off on Tuesday, March 25, but savvy shoppers know that early bird discounts on all-things travel are already up for grabs. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 2025 Here are six suggestions for both night owls and early birds looking for a break from the Berlin Film Festival. Melinda Newman, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Feb. 2025 The early bird gets the worm, so don’t wait because these deals tend to vanish fast. Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 21 Mar. 2025 Doors open at 10 a.m. early birds, 11 a.m. Tuesdays, Winter Springs VFW, 420 N. Edgemon Ave., Winter Springs, $15-$25 packets, 407-327-3151. Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for early bird

Word History

Etymology

from the proverb, "the early bird catches the worm"

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of early bird was in 1830

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Early bird.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/early%20bird. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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