hummingbird

noun

hum·​ming·​bird ˈhə-miŋ-ˌbərd 

: any of a family (Trochilidae) of tiny brightly colored nonpasserine American birds related to the swifts that have a very slender bill and an extensible tongue for sipping nectar and that usually hover rather than perch when feeding

Illustration of hummingbird

Examples of hummingbird in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This garden favorite never fails to delight with vibrant, long-lasting blooms that attract an abundance of butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators to the garden. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 21 Mar. 2025

One of the rarest hummingbirds spotted near Charlotte A hybrid Allen’s-Anna’s hummingbird was spotted at a feeder in Concord outside Charlotte a few years ago, Campbell previously told The News & Observer. —Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 14 Mar. 2025

Some, like the Allen's hummingbird, tricolored blackbird and saltmarsh sparrow, are at extreme risk without immediate intervention, says the report, released Thursday. —Sarah Metz, CBS News, 13 Mar. 2025

Sunflowers, which bloom from summer into fall, are also great for attracting pollinators, including butterflies, hummingbirds, birds, and beneficial insects. —Renee Freemon Mulvihill, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing hummingbird

• ruby-throated hummingbird

Rhymes for hummingbird

• afterword
• firebird
• ladybird
• mockingbird
• overheard
• thunderbird
• undergird
• undeterred
• absurd
• averred
• bluebird
• byword

Kids Definition

hummingbird

noun

hum·​ming·​bird ˈhəm-iŋ-ˌbərd 

: any of numerous tiny brightly colored American birds related to the swifts and having narrow swiftly beating wings, a slender bill, and a long tongue for sipping nectar